Biniam Girmay, known as the “African king” to his fans, has made history as the first black African to win a stage at the Tour de France.
This year, he has won three stages and is likely to win the green jersey for best sprinter. Girmay’s journey hasn’t been easy; he’s faced cultural shocks, visa issues, and loneliness being far from his family in Eritrea.
Despite these challenges, he’s become a hero in his home country and an inspiration for African cyclists.
Cycling is a popular sport in Eritrea, and many talented cyclists come from there. Girmay’s success is changing the face of a sport that has been mostly white.
He was scouted by cycling’s global governing body, the UCI, and trained in Switzerland, facing many challenges along the way.
Girmay’s family has a strong cycling background, and he was inspired by his cousin, African champion Meron Teshome. After training in Switzerland, he joined a French team, but faced setbacks due to the pandemic and team issues. Eventually, he joined a Belgian team and began his historic streak in 2022.
His victories have brought pride to Eritrea, and fans often support him at races in Europe. Girmay’s success shows that cycling is for everyone, not just a specific group. He hopes to continue his winning streak at the Olympics and World Championships, representing Eritrea and inspiring many more.
This story shows how Girmay’s achievements are not just personal victories but also a source of pride and inspiration for many. He has broken barriers and shown that with determination, anyone can succeed, no matter where they come from.
This summary is based on an article by the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx829lz8jj0o