Two days after his historic success on the roads of the Tour de France, Biniam Girmay wrote a new page for Intermarché-Wanty in the Tour by taking the green jersey in the points classification at the end of stage 5.
The Eritrean rider was provisionally second in this annexed classification at the start of the stage, before taking the lead at the end of the intermediate sprint with 94 points, tied with Mads Pedersen. It all came down to the chaotic final stretch at Saint-Vulbas, where Intermarché-Wanty propelled its two sprinters Gerben Thijssen and Girmay into the top 10 at the finish line, eighth and ninth respectively.
At the end of the stage, Biniam Girmay is leader of the Tour de France points classification with 102 points and new wearer of the green jersey, a first for Intermarché-Wanty. The Belgian team enjoys another historic moment with a distinctive jersey, after the polka-dot jersey worn by first-time New Zealander Dion Smith in 2018.
Biniam Girmay: “Wearing this green jersey is an honor, it’s the symbol of the sprinter, one of the most prestigious and coveted jerseys. After my victory, it’s a new dream come true. I remember the first time I watched the Tour de France. It was also probably the first time I watched cycling, in 2009 or 2010. Mark Cavendish was my idol. I dreamed of becoming like him, when I sprinted on my bike as a child, I imitated his celebrations. I’m so happy that he has set the record for Tour de France victories today, especially considering where he came from after his crash last year. Wearing the same jersey as he has so many times means a lot to me.”