Historic Victory as Girmay Becomes First Black African to Win a Stage in the Tour de France
For some, a victory can completely change the course of a season, solidifying its place as an unforgettable chapter in history. For cyclist Girmay, this became a reality with his stunning performance in the third stage of the Tour de France. The 22-year-old from Eritrea made headlines by winning the stage sprint, achieving a first of its kind for a black African rider.
Team manager and teammates went ecstatic as news of the triumph spread throughout the team’s caravan. Girmay’s achievement joins an already impressive list, as he had previously broken barriers with a historic stage win in the 2022 Giro d’Italia. In both instances, the Eritrean cyclist marked a significant moment in the history of his sport.
Reacting to his triumph, Girmay expressed profound gratitude to the millions of fans who rallied behind him, stating, "First of all, I want to thank everyone for showing me their support. I had never dreamed of being part of the history of the Tour and I can’t believe that in my second Tour de France, I won a sprint stage. It’s incredible."
Girmay dedicated his victory not only to the fans but also to his teammates, who now share in the spoils as the Belgian team adds a new chapter to their history with their seventh major tour win.
The cyclist attributed his team’s success to his teammates’ unwavering dedication, saying, "I especially want to thank my team. They had not won before in the Tour, so I am super happy."
This defining moment in the cycling world brings with it newfound recognition for both Girmay and his Belgian team, solidifying his place in history books alongside other esteemed athletes in the sport.
