Intermarche-Wanty’s Biniam Girmay made history Monday by becoming the first black African to win a stage in the Tour de France. The achievement came just two years after he became the first black African to win any Grand Tour stage at the Giro d’Italia in 2022.
The Eritrean rider benefited from a messy finale on Stage 3 after Astana-Qazaqstan’s Mark Cavendish’s final sprint was held up due to a high-speed crash in the peloton within 1.3 miles of the finish line.
The chaotic crash in Turin, Italy, between riders from Israel-Premier Tech and Cofidis meant Cavendish and his teammates were stuck behind them, allowing Girmay to sprint to victory. Movistar’s Fernando Gaviria and Lotto Dstny’s Arnaud De Lie finished second and third, respectively.
While the reduced pack of sprinters benefited Girmay, it does not diminish his incredible accomplishment and if anything, adds to his legacy following his Giro d’Italia exploits in 2022. The 24-year-old broke down in tears in his post-race interview while outlining the importance of his win.
“Since I started cycling, I never dreaming to be a part of the Tour de France, but now I can’t believe it,” an emotional Girmay said. “To win a Tour de France [stage] in just my second year, it’s unbelievable. I just want to say ‘thank you’ to my family, my wife, Eritrea and Africa. We must be proud. Now we are really part of the big races and have success. Now, it’s our moment. It’s our time. This for all Africa.”
Elsewhere, more history was made Monday when Richard Carapaz became the first rider from Ecuador to wear the yellow jersey based on accumulated finishing positions over the first three stages of the Tour. Carapaz currently leads former two-time winner Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel in the leaderboard. Jonas Vingegaard, the reigning back-to-back champion, is currently fourth.
The 2024 Tour de France — getting underway in Italy for the first time ever — will culminate with the 21st and final stage from Nice, France, to Monaco, on July 21.