Date: Tuesday, 17 May 2022
photo: Cor Vos
Biniam Girmay wrote history on Tuesday by being the first black African to book a stage win in a Grand Tour. In the tenth stage of the Giro d'Italia, the top talent from Eritrea of Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert was the best of a thinned peloton, ahead of Mathieu van der Poel. “This is unbelievable”, was the first reaction of 'Bini'.
“You know, the team led the entire stage and controlled the race”, describes Girmay in the flash interview after the finish in Jesi. He had the support of three teammates in the final, including Domenico Pozzovivo, who led the sprint for him. “I have no words for what the team has done today. I am very happy."
It is for the 22-year-old Girmay his first victory on his debut in a big round. Earlier this season, he already broke through with a win in Gent-Wevelgem. In the Giro he already achieved second place in the opening stage, then behind Van der Poel. He was also twice fourth and twice fifth in a stage result.
Van der Poel had to give in to Girmay after a long sprint and gave a thumbs up when crossing the finish line.
