"I don't know if it will be next year, but I'll come back one day" - Biniam Girmay's feedback from Paris-Roubaix debut

Biniam Girmay is a rider that broke through in the international peloton at the 2022 Gent Wevelgem. The Eritrean rider showed off his talent in the cobbled classics and ever since, he's been a feature in these races - aside from Intermarché - Wanty's leader. At Paris-Roubaix, he had an interesting debut.

"There were a lot of fans, it really gives you energy when everyone is cheering you on," Girmay said in a post-race interview with Cyclism'Actu. The Belgian team did not have one of the main favourites, but could benefit from the outsider status that meant someone like Girmay could benefit from the work and collaboration of rivals, despite his strong sprint.

The Belgian team as a whole had a terrific race with Jonas Rutsch being the strongest rider from the day's breakaway and resisting towards a sixth position; Laurenz Rex who had the ride of his life to close the Top10 whilst directly being in competition with the peloton; and lastly Girmay was 15th on the day, finishing third in a group led in by Filippo Ganna to the line.

Girmay could enjoy the benefit that came from having several teammates around, but also had the legs and the motivation to perform in northern France. "I really enjoyed this race. In the Carrefour de l'Arbre, it was really crazy, there were a lot of people, we were all pumped up, I'll remember it for a long time."

The team scored 520 UCI points this Sunday which is also a very meaningful achievement, but Girmay above all also got experience, and a ride that will cast him as a potential podium candidate in the future. When will that be however is a question that will only be answered in the future.

"Would I want to come back next year? I don't know... right now I'm sore all over, I need to rest," he joked. "I don't know if it will be next year, but I'll come back one day. It's a totally different race from all the others and it's very beautiful."