This Tuesday, July 9, Intermarché-Wanty began the second week of the Tour de France with a tenth stage reserved for sprinters, which resulted in another podium finish for the green jersey: Biniam Girmay.
The Eritrean rider took second place in the sprint won by Jasper Philipsen, thus securing his fourth podium in this edition, after his two stage wins in Turin and Colombey-les-deux-Églises and another second place in Dijon. For the sixth day running, Girmay leads the points classification with 267 points, 74 more than runner-up Jasper Philipsen.
Biniam Girmay:
“I’m not disappointed with this second place, on the contrary. It was a very fast sprint, and everyone was fresh. For someone of my profile to come second at this kind of finish almost feels like a victory. I’m so happy to have been so close, because I’m not conceding too many points. From now on, for the stages to come, there won’t be any more completely flat sprints. So that bodes well for the green jersey. Am I in the best shape of my career? I don’t think so, I’m still young, so I think that’s still to come. But I’m definitely in the best form on flat sprints like today. The team and I have put a lot of emphasis on sprints. I’m so proud to see that this hard work is bringing so much success.”
In addition to Girmay, another Intermarché-Wanty rider climbs onto the podium at the end of this tenth stage. Kobe Goossens, the day’s sole attacker, went on the offensive to win the intermediate sprint at Romorantin-Lanthenay and was awarded the combativity prize.
Kobe Goossens:
“It’s always a source of pride to be on the podium at the Tour de France. In the earpiece, I was encouraged to continue my offensive to take maximum points in the intermediate sprint. Every point saved for Biniam brings him a little closer to the green jersey. That’s our top priority. My attention is already focused on tomorrow, which is a stage where I can make a name for myself. I’ve had a difficult period with injuries, but now I’m getting in better shape day by day and I’m getting stronger. I’m happy to be at the Tour. The atmosphere in the team is magnificent, and we’re achieving great things with Biniam during the most beautiful cycling race in the world.”
