Eritrea's Girmay Becomes 1St Black African To Win Grand Tour Stage In Cycling

Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay became the first Black African to win a Grand Tour stage at the 2022 Giro d'Italia on Tuesday, one of the three prestigious Grand Tours.

Professional since 2020, Girmay, 22, was victorious in the Stage 10 of Giro d'Italia that finished in Jesi, Ancona.

Girmay, who pedals for Belgium's Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert, sprinted faster than Alpecin-Fenix's Mathieu van der Poel as the Eritrean national beat his Dutch opponent in the final moments of the race.

The 22-year-old completed the Stage 10 in four hours, 32 minutes and seven seconds in Jesi.

"I made history thanks to my team, my family, the support from the people of my country. This victory belongs to them also," Girmay said after the historic win.

Meanwhile, Girmay withdrew from this year's Giro d'Italia for an eye injury. The Eritrean athlete injured himself on the podium after a prosecco cork accidentally popped in his eye.

After the Stage 21, this year's Giro d'Italia will finish on May 29 in Verona. -