EMOTIONAL Biniam Girmay broke down in tears as he became the first black African to win a Tour de France stage.
The Eritrean, 24, created sporting history with an excellent sprint finish on Stage Three in Turin.
An emotional Biniam Girmay after an historic win for himself and Eritrea at the Tour de France. #TDF2024
— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 1, 2024pic.twitter.com/ZmHHKCsjUS
Girmay, who won an individual stage at the Giro d’Italia in 2022, could not contain the tears as he spoke about crossing the finish line first and making an entire continent proud.
It was a first win in the race for his Belgian team Intermarche-Wanty.
Mark Cavendish, chasing his own piece of history, was not involved in the bunch sprint after being stuck in a group behind a late crash and during the race he had to change bikes due to a tyre issue.
Girmay said: “First of all, I’d like to thank God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support.
“Since I started cycling, I never dreamed of being a part of the Tour. I cannot believe this.
“To win at the Tour, in our second year in a big bunch sprint, it is unbelievable.
“I want to thank my family, my wife, Eritereans, Africans, we must be proud.
“We are now part of the big races, the big victories. It’s our moment, it’s our time.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“I want to say congratulations to my whole team.
“We didn’t have victory at the Tour de France. Now is our moment. I am super happy.
“It’s for all of Africa. To win in front of the fastest in the world, it was a big motivator.”
Tuesday is a mountain stage as the peloton go 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Pinerolo in Italy to Valloire in south-east France.
