On March 27, 2022, Biniam Girmay etched his name into cycling history by becoming the first African rider to win the prestigious Gent-Wevelgem, a 254-kilometer classic race in Belgium. The 21-year-old Eritrean, riding for Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux, clinched victory in a thrilling sprint finish, crossing the line in 5 hours, 37 minutes, and 57 seconds. He outpaced Frenchman Christophe Laporte and Belgium’s Dries Van Gestel, who finished second and third, respectively. “I came here to get a good result, but I didn’t imagine it would be so incredible,” Girmay said, reflecting on his landmark achievement.
A Rising Star’s Journey
Girmay’s path to this historic win began when he turned professional in 2020 with the French team Delko. After joining Intermarché-Wanty in August 2021, he quickly showcased his talent, securing a victory at the Classic Grand Besançon and a silver medal at the under-23 UCI Road World Championships in September 2021. His fifth-place finishes at La Route Adélie and Gran Piemonte, followed by a win in Majorca earlier in 2022, signaled his growing prowess. “In the sprint, I was up against some strong riders, but I was confident,” Girmay noted, highlighting the significance of his Gent-Wevelgem triumph for his career and African cycling.
Overcoming Challenges
The race, Girmay’s first at Gent-Wevelgem, saw him navigate unfamiliar roads with guidance from sport director Aike Visbeek. His confidence grew as the race progressed, culminating in a perfectly timed sprint launched 250 meters from the finish. “I closed my eyes and gave all I had left,” he recalled. His victory was a collective triumph for Intermarché-Wanty, with teammates Alexander Kristoff, Andrea Pasqualon, and Adrien Petit finishing strongly in the chasing group. The win held special meaning for the team, coming six years after the tragic loss of rider Antoine Demoitié in the same race.
A Milestone for African Cycling
Girmay’s triumph is a beacon for African cycling, marking the first time a sub-Saharan African has won a World Tour classic. Team manager Aike Visbeek called it “a historical victory for our team, for African cycling, and for cycling in general.” Girmay, who became the youngest African Cyclist of the Year in 2020 and retained the title in 2021, sees this as a turning point. “It will change everything for me,” he said. His success highlights the potential for greater diversity in a sport historically dominated by European riders.
Looking Ahead
As Girmay prepares to return to Eritrea to celebrate his 22nd birthday, his focus shifts to the Giro d’Italia in May 2022. His Gent-Wevelgem victory, achieved against seasoned competitors, positions him as a rising star with a bright future. By breaking barriers, Girmay not only elevates Eritrea’s presence in global cycling but also inspires a new generation of African athletes to chase their dreams on the world stage.
