"He doesn't have WhatsApp in Africa" - Mike Teunissen on difficulties building relationship with Biniam Girmay

Mike Teunissen and Biniam Girmay are arguably the two best hopes for Intermarché - Wanty in the coming Spring Classics and the entirety of 2024.

Whilst the teammates often ride together, Teunissen admits Girmay isn't the easiest to build a relationship with however. "He doesn't have WhatsApp in Africa, so I don't actually speak to him when he's there," the Belgian recently said in conversation with In de Leiderstrui. "I actually only saw him for the first time before the Omloop and then, after Kuurne he flies home again, so I don't really see him."

During Opening Weekend, Teunissen actually got the better of Girmay, 13th at both Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne, whilst the Eritrean barely featured. "He said he was good, so I positioned him in front of the Muur. Then it loosened, so I had to sprint myself. But I expected more, yes," admits Teunissen of his leader's performance.

There has been talk that Girmay may move to Belgium in order to help his racing career, although Teunissen has some doubts. "I've been hearing that for two years now, so I'm curious when that will actually happen," he says with a smile. "We are not saying that he should win ten races in a year. Like last year, he dropped out of the Tour of Flanders with a concussion. You can't do anything about that, you know. So there are several factors that play a role: some of them you have no control over, but some you do. And so we tackle that, with the hope of improvement."