Eritrean professional cyclist who became the first Black African to win a Tour de France stage and compete for major cycling teams in Europe.
Born in Asmara, Eritrea, on September 16, 2000, Biniam Girmay emerged from a nation with a growing cycling tradition despite limited infrastructure and resources. He began competing internationally as a junior, representing Eritrea in various competitions before joining the European professional cycling circuit. His early career was marked by steady development within continental teams, where he honed his sprinting skills while maintaining an unusual ability to handle challenging terrain. Girmay's breakthrough came during his tenure with Intermarché–Wanty–Gobert Matériaux, where he established himself as a formidable competitor in both one-day classics and stage races. In 2022, he achieved multiple significant victories, including stages at the Giro d'Italia and notable performances in Belgian classics. His success continued into 2023 and 2024, with stage wins at the Tour de France and consistent results across various race formats. His versatility as a sprinter who could survive in mountainous terrain distinguished him from traditional pure sprinters. The defining moment of Girmay's career occurred at the 2022 Giro d'Italia, where he became the first Black African rider to win a Grand Tour stage. This historic achievement was followed by additional Grand Tour stage victories, cementing his status among cycling's elite sprinters. His ability to compete successfully in both flat sprint finishes and more selective terrain has produced victories across diverse race conditions, from cobbled classics to mountainous stage races. Girmay's achievements transcend individual success, representing a significant milestone for African cycling on the sport's biggest stages. His presence in the professional peloton has elevated the profile of Eritrean and African cycling internationally, inspiring a new generation of riders from the continent. As one of cycling's most prominent young talents, he has demonstrated that riders from developing cycling nations can compete at the highest level, contributing to the sport's global expansion and diversification.
First Black African rider to win a stage at the Tour de France, achieving this milestone on stage 3 of the 2022 Tour de France.
How They Played
Girmay is a sprinter known for his explosive finishing speed and tactical intelligence in bunch sprints. He demonstrates excellent bike handling skills in chaotic sprint finishes and has shown the ability to compete with the world's best sprinters on flat stages.
Lasting Impact
Girmay has broken significant barriers as the first Black African rider to win stages at both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, opening doors for African cycling.
Career Honours
- Giro d'Italia Stage 10 win 2022 (Jesi)
- Paris–Roubaix Espoirs 2021
- Binche–Chimay–Binche 2021
- Ghent–Wevelgem 2022
- Tour de l'Avenir Stage win 2021
- Milano–Torino 2023
- Scheldeprijs 2023
- Tour de France Stage 8 win 2024 (Fosse)
- Tour de France Stage 9 win 2024 (Troyes)
- Tour de France Stage 12 win 2024 (Villeneuve-sur-Lot)
- Tour de France Green Jersey (Points Classification) 2024
- Vuelta a España Stage win 2023