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News 01.07.2024
Biniam Girmay triumphs on the 3rd stage of the Tour de France
Biniam Girmay has made history by winning the 3rd stage of the Tour de France. Representing team Intermarché-Wanty, the Eritrean cyclist triumphed after an exhilarating 231-kilometer stage, culminating in a dramatic sprint finale. This victory marks the first Tour de France stage win of his career.
At just 24 years old, Girmay's success is not only a personal milestone but also a historic moment for cycling. He becomes the first rider from Eritrea to secure a stage win at the Tour de France.
Milestone for Intermarché-Wanty and CUBE Bikes
Girmay's success is a landmark achievement for the Belgian team Intermarché-Wanty and CUBE. This stage win is the first for the team at the Tour de France and also the debut victory for us. Following previous stage wins at the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta, this historic success highlights the nine-year partnership. The team has consistently relied on the CUBE Litening C:68X road bike series, contributing significantly to its development.
A thrilling stage with a triumphant finish
Stage 3 spanned a 231-kilometer route from Plaisance to Piermont in Turin. Despite being relatively flat, it was the longest stage of this year’s Tour and tested the riders' endurance. The Intermarché-Wanty team set the stage for the finale, with Laurenz Rex, Mike Teunissen, and Gerben Thijssen leading the charge. Girmay tactically positioned himself within the peloton and unleashed a powerful sprint in the final stretch, crossing the finish line first and securing a unforgettable victory.
Biniam Girmay shares post-race thoughts
Magic moments. Congratulations. How do you feel right now?
“Perfect! Amazing! You know, until now, we did not have a chance to shine on the big stage. Today it is our moment to show our strength and potential. I'm super happy for myself, for my continent, and for my country. It feels amazing, especially to sprint in front of the fastest riders in the world. I think today gives us a lot of power and a push.”
And confidence too, because you were very clever. You squeeze through a tiny gap beside Mads Pedersen. You left the door open for you. It was power. It was really good bike handling. It was the perfect sprint for you. The team too, did a good job, too.
"Absolutely. Today, our team has shown what we can do. The best lead out also. Our plan was to lead out for Gerben Thijsen but I was behind him. It´s not always easy to follow the train if you are the last guy so I lost the team at the last kilometre. From that onward I heard via the radio to do it for myself because I already lost the wheel. But for me it`s always easier to find the best position on my own and from that moment it´s just close your eyes and go for the victory.
So, we made the best out of it. Also, our plan is to give everything. I was behind and it was not easy to follow the train. I lost the team the last kilometre and from this on, I heard in the radio to do it for myself and bring me in a good position. For me it is always easier to find myself in a good position. And then, from that on, it is all about closing your eyes and go for the win! "
Final question: Because Ecuador takes the yellow jersey, Eritrea wins the stage. Africa, South America - it's a great story of globalization and cycling.
"It is. It's really, nice to see cycling sport is really global. Before it was, most of the time, European people winning. But now it's, all around the world. They can be competitive. So that means it's nice for the cycling for the future, I think. So, I hope we continue like this. "