Biniam Girmay has had a breakthrough 2022 season where he rose to the very top of pro cycling and has become an incredibly popular rider. 2023 may see new goals and achievements for the Eritrean, who teased a possible presence at the Tour de France.
In an interview with TheCyclingDane, Girmay has talked about his successful year: "This season was amazing, especially second year in a World Tour team... This season means something special, specially for myself and my team, we improved a lot and also scored some goals, even in the Grand Tours."
He talked about how it was his first full season with Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux and how the structure was crucial for him to be able to achieve his goals, which included the last-minute decision to race Gent-Wevelgem where he took a breakthrough win.
He went on to battle with Mathieu van der Poel at the Giro d'Italia, beaten into the opening stage, but taking the win on the 10th day of racing. "To win in a Grand Tour is something special but at that moment... it's the first time I'm really happy, and in one hour I'm really said with what happened," he said, describing the moment in which he got hit by a champagne cork and had to abandon the race.
Asked if the Tour de France was on his sights for 2023, Girmay revealed the possibility. "Yeah if there is more opportunities to hit some stage for sure I'll go, if there are some more stages in the Giro I will go too... To ride in the Tour is the best, let's say the plan is it depends on how many stages suit me in Tour de France."