In 2025, the road cycling World Championships are heading to Africa as Rwanda hosts the annual battles for the Rainbow Jersey. Given the climber-friendly course on offer though, the biggest star in African cycling Biniam Girmay may not compete in this landmark sporting event for the continent.
"The World Championship in Rwanda? Oh... That question is redundant and you don't really need to ask me. It's above my limit," the 24-year-old Eritrean admits honestly in conversation with Sporza from Intermarché - Wanty's training camp in Spain. "Of course this World Championship is a milestone for African cycling, but I can't do anything there myself."
As such, despite being the face of the sport in Africa, Girmay is unsure he'll even bother competing in Rwanda, given how unsuited he is to the course. "Will I not go? We'll see. I would like to be there and I will try, but it will be difficult for me to even finish," he explains. "It's not about me, it's about African cycling. It's a great opportunity."
“If you make the journey just to be dropped at that World Championship, it's pointless,” Girmay adds. "I always aim for a good result. If my country wants me there, I will definitely go. But personally, it is not necessary for me to just be there and take part."
As it turns out, Girmay isn't the only voice casting doubt on his appearance either. Aike Visbeek, performance manager at Intermarché - Wanty is also unsure it would be in the Tour de France Green Jersey winner's best interests. "I really don't think it's right that such a route has been drawn up for that continent when you have Biniam as a classics rider. There are many one-day specialists who won't even bother to go to Africa," Visbeek comments. "I see 2 or 3 favourites who can win. So it is not good for African cycling that such a course has been laid out."
"If Bini wants to ride, he should do it. But I have my doubts. And rightly so. It doesn't help Bini," he concludes. "It's not just about him, it's also about the upcoming World Cups. With Montreal (2026) and Haute Savoie (2027) you'll be in the same category that can become world champion in the coming years. That is not good for cycling. It is a pity that Bini is already having doubts here in January, while that World Championship should perhaps have been his main goal in 2025."