Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Black African rider to win a stage in the Tour de France. He sprinted to victory in the third stage of the cycling event to secure victory on Monday.
Girmay said his win was "for all Africans."
"We must be proud now. We are really part of the big races," Girmay said. "Now it's our moment. It's our time."
The victory came on the third day and the longest stage of this year's race, spanning 230.8 kilometers (roughly 143 miles) between Piacenza and Turin.
It provided the first chance for a mass sprint, and Girmay timed it perfectly to beat Colombian Fernando Gaviria and Belgian Arnaud de Lie, who finished second and third, respectively.
"With my first Tour last year, I acquired experience, and I manage everything better. Winning today is unbelievable," he said.
In the General Classification, Ecuador's Carapaz took the overall leader's yellow jersey from one of the tour favorites, Tadej Pogacar.
Girmay became the first African to win a one-day classic at Gent-Wevelgem, aged 21.It was his second Grand Tour stage win after the Giro d'Italia in 2022."To be honest, when I went to the Giro I knew I had the level to fight for the win but for the Tour I was thinking I would have to wait
[until] 2025, 2026.
To win a stage where all the best sprint specialists are present is unbelievable," he said Monday.South Africans Robbie Hunter and Daryl Impey are the only two other Africans to win a Tour de France stage.Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome was born in Kenya but competed for Britain.
Latest Stories
-
SHS heads demand payment of outstanding funds before reopening of schools
34 minutes -
We thank God for the 2024 general elections – Akufo-Addo
48 minutes -
Coconut Grove Beach Resort marks 30 years of excellence with memorable 9 lessons & carols service
59 minutes -
WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup: Black Maidens beat Nigeria on penalties to win inaugral tournament
2 hours -
Real Madrid beat Sevilla to keep pressure on leaders Atletico
3 hours -
Liverpool put six past Spurs to go four points clear
3 hours -
Manchester United lose 3-0 at home to Bournemouth yet again
3 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: ‘It’s still an open game’ – Didi on Ghana’s draw with Nigeria
3 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: Ghana’s Black Galaxies held by Nigeria in first-leg tie
4 hours -
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
5 hours -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
5 hours -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
6 hours -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
6 hours -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
7 hours -
Kwame Boafo Akuffo: Court ruling on re-collation flawed
7 hours