"I thought it was just for whites or European people" - Appearing at the Tour de France beyond Biniam Girmay's wildest childhood dreams
Cycling
A true trailblazer in modern day sport, Biniam Girmay has the support of a whole continent behind him. After making history with a stage win at the Giro d'Italia in 2022, the Eritrean is planning for similar success in his debut Tour de France.
"When I was young I never dreamed of participating in races like the Tour de France," the 23-year-old Intermarché-Circus-Wanty sprinter tells Eurosport from as he makes his final preparations in the Alps. "I thought it was just for whites or European people. I didn't think I stood a chance."
Girmay has become a real pioneer of cycling, making history with his victory at the 2022 Giro d'Italia, becoming the first black African to win a Grand Tour stage. As seen when he took a stage of the recent Tour de Suisse, Girmay has an enormous, cult-like following of supporters.
"When Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus reached those heights for the first time, it made me think I could also do so one day," Girmay continues, before recalling his victory in Switzerland. "I didn't realise how many Eritreans were there with our flag. I saw a few of them at the start but when I crossed the finish line, there were so many people it felt like I was back in Asmara!"
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