"To win two times, I have to say thanks to God" - Biniam Girmay continues stunning Tour de France with another victory on stage 8

A week ago, no black African had ever managed to win a stage of the Tour de France. Now, after two wins in six days, Biniam Girmay is becoming even more of a trailblazer than he was before.

"It's unbelievable," the 24-year-old Eritrean of Intermarché - Wanty reflected disbelievingly in his post-stage interview. "To win two times, I have to say thanks to God for everything. This victory I need to give to my mother and father, they believed in me and gave me all the support to become a professional cyclist. I'm so proud."

Having initially made history at the 2022 Giro d'Italia, Girmay failed to hit the heights on his Tour de France debut last year. This time around though, the Eritrean is emerging as the sprinter to beat with two stage wins a near 100 point lead in the Green Jersey classification over last year's jersey winner, Jasper Philipsen.

"I prefer this kind of sprint, because if it's really flat, the other guys are bigger and heavier than me so they can push more watts and go faster. But this finish for me, with my weight, was super nice," Girmay concludes, barely able to keep the smile off his face. "My team put me in the perfect wheel and gave me a good leadout, and I did my best sprint again. I have to also say thanks to the two Cofidis riders in front of me because it was a perfect leadout!"