Biniam Girmay: Africas new cycling hero

Published: June 27, 2023, 12:30 a.m.

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On 1 July 2024, Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African rider to win a stage of cycling\\u2019s biggest race: the Tour de France. After a hard upbringing as one of six children in the Eritrean capital Asmara, he has become one of the most talented riders from the continent in the sport\\u2019s history.

In 2023, Matt Warwick discovered what Girmay's victories have meant for Eritrea and Eritreans, as well as the rest of Africa. He tells the story of his extraordinary early life and examines the significance of what his achievements can mean for such an accessible sport, which, after more than 100 years, remains almost completely white European.

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