Biniam Girmay was one of the stars of the 2024
Tour de France, winning three stages and the Green Jersey. Ahead of the 2025 edition, the Eritrean has spoke on his ambitions for the Grand Tour at a pre-race press conference, where CyclingUpToDate were present among the assembled media.
As mentioned, Girmay shone bright twelve months ago, becoming the first black African to win a stage of cycling's most prestigious race, and going on to win the Points Classification in a historic success. Whilst his 2025 season so far could best be described as quiet, with Girmay failing to add a single victory to his palmares this campaign, a return to the biggest stage could be just what the 25-year-old needs to regain his top form.
Q: It’s a very different start to the Tour this year. Last year, you and Jasper had three wins and a second place each — you mirrored each other exactly. Is this flatter start going to work against you in the green jersey competition?
A: Yeah, I think first of all, it's not been the perfect season so far. Because of Jasper, I didn't get the victory, but I would say my shape right now is more or less the same as last year. I had good preparation at home — pretty similar to last year. If you look at the results, it's not the best, but I’m looking forward to this Tour. Of course, it's going to be tough, but it’s always nice to get a victory in the Tour — it gives you a lot of confidence. I'm confident in my shape. I’ve had some second places in different races. It is what it is — I can’t change that. I just try to find a positive way to give myself energy and motivate my teammates to get the best result possible. Everything comes from the Tour.
Q: You know what it’s like to wear the green jersey. Now, sprinters have a chance to go for the yellow jersey on the first day. What are your thoughts?
A: Yeah, I think it’s a nice opportunity for sprinters to have the first stage as a sprint stage. But the first thing that comes to my mind is — it’s going to be dangerous. Or maybe safer? If you have bad luck — if you crash there — it can ruin the rest of the race. So it’s not easy to win that stage. But for sure, I'm here to win the stage. And yeah, if we win the first stage, we automatically get the yellow jersey. It’s a dream for me, of course. I’ve worked hard for these first three days, and I’ll try to do my best to win that stage.
Girmay took a historic Green Jersey win at the 2024 Tour de France
Q: Does the heat during the Tour de France worry you?
A: No, I think it doesn’t. For me, that’s one of the main advantages I have on the Tour de France — because of the heat. The heat suits me really well. I actually prefer it.
Q: Is it special for you to start the race in northern France, especially with your team being Belgian and based nearby?
A: Yeah, it’s pretty nice, to be honest. My team is not far from here, and I’ve also spent quite some time in Germany. I’ve trained around here a lot. For me, it's nice. But to be honest, it doesn’t matter if the Tour starts in Italy, Spain, or France — I just want to be here at the start. It’s always a pleasure.
Q: Do you feel like you're representing an entire continent at the Tour de France?
A: I just try to do my best — first for myself, then for my family. This year, I’m the only African rider. Last year, we had Louis too, and we were hoping to see more riders from other teams this year. But for now, I’m the only one. It’s an honour, of course. It's also nice to represent my country.
Q: Do you think your rivals are underestimating you, like last year? Few people are talking about you again. Are you feeling confident for the first few stages?
A: Yeah, I mean, I have the ambition to win a stage. Last year was incredible — three stage wins in one Tour. It wasn’t easy. But you never know — if you can win early in the first week, it gives a good mood to the whole team. This year, my mission — and my team’s — is to win a stage again.
Q: We’ve talked about the flat first stage. What do you think about Sunday’s stage? Could it suit you better than pure sprinters like Philipsen?
A: Yeah, I would say yes. The first stage will be for all the sprinters — there are a lot of fast guys. But Sunday looks like a bigger opportunity for me. On the profile, it looks hard. There are still good riders for that kind of finish, but I see it as a big chance.
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Q: Do last year’s three victories give you more motivation — or more pressure — for this Tour?
A: It gives me only big motivation. I’ve spoken with a few guys who have done the Tour many times — they told me even winning one stage is super hard. And for me, in one year, I won three. That gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of my career. Winning one stage is not easy. But I proved I can be one of the strongest sprinters. So it’s all motivation.
