Tour de France: 'I thought it was just for white or European people' - Biniam Girmay ahead of debut

Updated 28/06/2023 at 12:48 GMT

The impact of Biniam Girmay’s success on the UCI WorldTour has seen him elevated to role-model status for young cyclists. As one of the few Black Africans within a largely white and European peloton, his profile draws comparisons with the compatriots he aspired to as his cycling career began. Girmay will go for more history at the Tour de France, which begins in Bilbao, Spain on July 1.

'I never dreamed of taking part in the Tour de France' - Girmay on the impact of role models

As Biniam Girmay prepares to ride the Tour de France for the first time, the Eritrean trailblazer has told Eurosport he grew up thinking cycling’s biggest race was “just for white or European people”.

Girmay became the first African cyclist to win a one-day classic at Gent-Wevelgem in March 2022, then followed it up with a historic win at the Giro d’Italia two months later – the first time a Black African had won a stage at a Grand Tour.

Cycling has been accused of not doing enough to address diversity. In 2011, Frenchman Yohann Gene became the first Black rider to appear at the Tour de France – in the 98th edition of the race. The peloton remains overwhelmingly white.

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Speaking on the latest episode of The Power of Sport, Girmay revealed it was only when compatriots Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus appeared at the Tour in 2015 for African-registered team MTN–Qhubeka that he realised it was a possibility. Teklehaimanot wore the climbers' polka dot jersey for four stages before being dislodged by eventual overall champion Chris Froome.

“When I was young, I never dreamed of participating in races like the Tour de France because I thought it was just for white or European people. I didn’t think I stood a chance there,” said Girmay.

“When Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus reached those heights for the first time, it made me think I could also do something. It changed my perspective and had a great impact on my mentality.”

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

Girmay has not raced at a Grand Tour since abandoning the Giro after popping a Prosecco cork in his eye after his historic triumph.

He arrives at the Tour de France with two victories to his name in 2023 from the Volta a la Communitat Valenciana and the Tour de Suisse. A third at the Tour would be his biggest yet.

“If we’re being honest about the past, there haven’t been many Black Africans to compete and win,” said Girmay.

“We only participated, but now to have victories in WorldTour races, especially in Classics, makes me very proud. It’s the first time Black Africans are winning in Grand Tours, which motivates me to work harder and make more history in the future.

“I think what I’ve achieved at the moment will have a huge impact, especially for the future of cyclists who want to turn professional. There are many young riders across African countries and there are many who dream of reaching the highest level. It’s very important for them to have someone from their own country or from the African continent to win these competitions – just as Daniel did for us.

“His achievements were really important to get us to where we are now. I hope I can be a great example for future riders because the future of African cycling is bright.”

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Stream the 2023 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes live and on-demand on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk

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