"To win is so nice, against the best cyclists in the world" - Biniam Girmay delighted with Tour de France Saitama Criterium victory

The proper road campaign may be over for 2024, but there are still some of the yearly end of season Criteriums taking place. On Saturday, Biniam Girmay triumphed in one of these at the Tour de France Saitama Criterium in Japan.

This year’s event did not disappoint, as 2024 Tour de France points jersey winner Biniam Girmay claimed a victory in a somewhat comical sprint finish to the day's action. Girmay edged out major competitors, including Vuelta a Espana champion Primoz Roglic and Tour de France stage record holder Mark Cavendish, to secure the win and reinforce his reputation as one of the top sprinters in the peloton.

"This year I had a win in Australia, a victory in Europe, in Africa, in Canada… it is the first time here [in Saitama] for me, and to win [already] is so nice, against the best cyclists in the world," reflected the Intermarché - Wanty leader and Green Jersey winner from the 2024 Tour de France in a short, post-race interview afterwards. 

As is often the case wherever Girmay is in action, there was also a strong number of Eritrean supporters present at the roadside, as the Girmay fan club followed their hero to the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. "It's an honour," he commented about the raucous support he received from the crowd in attendance. "I don't think I've raced once in the last three years without any fans from Eritrea, it's always nice. It always gives me something extra."