Biniam Girmay taken to hospital after popping Prosecco cork in his eye after historic Giro d’Italia victory

Updated 17/05/2022 at 21:36 GMT

Biniam Girmay produced a sensational sprint to win Stage 10 at the Giro d’Italia despite briefly going the wrong way in the finale, but his celebrations turned sour after a Prosecco cork flew into his eye on the podium. The 22-year-old was treated in an ambulance before skipping his post-race interviews to go to hospital. His team will make a call on Wednesday about whether he continues the Giro.

Watch the moment Girmay became first Black African to win Grand Tour stage

Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert Materiaux) was taken to hospital after accidentally popping a Prosecco cork in his eye – just minutes after he had made history at the Giro d’Italia.

The Eritrean had become the first Black African rider to win a Grand Tour stage before his celebrations went wrong.

He was seen wincing on the podium before he was treated in an ambulance and taken to hospital in Jesi. He was discharged with a bandaged left eye on Tuesday evening.

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Intermarche will make a decision on Wednesday morning as to whether he starts Stage 11 - a pan-flat run from Santarcangelo di Romagna to Reggio Emilia - the team's doctor, Piet Daneels, told Eurosport's Andrea Berton.

“He is feeling okay but we have to wait until tomorrow,” said Daneels.

Girmay, it had been reported, was struggling to see out of his left eye in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but Daneels added his vision had returned.

“He is better, he sees again. It is not a problem. We will take a decision tomorrow.”

‘We will take a decision tomorrow’ – Girmay’s Giro participation in doubt after Prosecco accident

The Eritrean was later photographed celebrating with his team-mates.

Girmay fended off Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) in a thrilling sprint finish on Stage 10, with his Dutch rival eventually conceding before sitting up to salute the 21-year-old.

Van der Poel is familiar with cork malfunctions, having taken one to his neck after winning the opening stage of the Giro.

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