Video | Girmay received in style in Eritrea, is rumoured to triple salary

The Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux rider is one of the sensations of the still ongoing spring. Despite having completed his racing in the meantime for the sake of being with his family and preparing for the Giro d'Italia, in the backstage Biniam Girmay also rumoured to have a salary increase when he returns to Europe.

The Eritrean has had a brilliant start to the season which has included a win at the Trofeo Alcúdia in Mallorca early in the year, and after a consistent string of results throughout early spring, he's proven his talent in the cobbled classics. Despite not having the experience and very little knowhow on the racing in the region, Girmay has surprised to finish in fifth place at the E3 Saxo Bank Classic, but celebrations have gone over the roof as he conquered an attacked edition of Gent-Wevelgem after winning the sprint from the leading group.

He has since travelled to Eritrea to be with his family, as he had announced before Gent-Wevelgem which was a late addition to his schedule. After his win this past Sunday he said " I've been away from home for 3 months now, so I miss my wife and daughter. I have to go home," and he has been received in style as shown in the video below.

Besides the reputation he has gained over the last few months, Girmay is also rumoured to be getting a salary raise when he returns to Europe. Reports came from Gazzetta dello Sport who claim team manager Jean-François Bourlart will meet up with Girmay's agent in a deal that would go up from €300,000 to €1.000,000 with salary and bonuses.