Biniam Girmay, triple stage winner and green jersey of the Tour de France, adds a new page to the African cycling history and of team Intermarché-Wanty. This Monday 14th of October, the daily newspaper l'Equipe presented the Eritrean rider as one of the ten finalists for the Vélo d'Or, the award honouring the best cyclist in the world.
It is the first time that an African cyclist figures on this prestigious list and also the first time that a rider of Intermarché-Wanty is part of it. Biniam Girmay is one of the nominated finalists, together with Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic, Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, Marc Hirschi, Matteo Jorgenson, Ben O’Connor and Tim Merlier.
A great recognition for the sprinter of the team of Jean-François Bourlart, who reached new milestones in 2024 after his brilliant successes in Ghent-Wevelgem and the Giro d’Italia 2022. Next to his three victories in the Tour, he also accumulated thirteen podium placings and is currently ninth in the individual UCI ranking. The award ceremony for men and women will be held on Friday 6th of December in the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris.
"It's a great honor to be nominated for the Vélo d'Or. I'm proud to be recognized alongside such incredible athletes. After my breakthrough season in 2021, I persevered through challenges, and this nomination is a sweet reward. It's a great feeling to know that my hard work has been acknowledged. But above all, the credit goes to the entire team – my teammates, the staff behind the scenes, my family, and all the fans who have supported me. My childhood dream of winning three stages and the green jersey in the Tour de France, in addition to standing on the podium in four continents this season, has become a reality. Their dedication and hard work have made it possible."
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