2022 is already part of cycling history. On March 27th, the Eritrean Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) became the first black African to win a cycling classic: the prestigious Gent-Wevelgem. This milestone not only marked a before and after in competitive cycling, but also inspired new generations of cyclists, both in road bike events and in mountain bike challenges.
The talent of Girmay had already shown itself in 2021, when he won a silver medal at the U23 World Championships in Leuven. His success sparked passion among cycling fans, and many Eritreans living in Europe traveled to Belgium to celebrate his feat. However, few imagined that in a short time he would achieve glory in one of the most demanding classics on the international calendar.
His victory did not go unnoticed in Eritrea, where cycling is a deeply rooted sport. Upon his return, he was welcomed with a parade through the streets of Asmara, the capital, in a historic celebration. His achievement has motivated many young cyclists who dream of shining in the international peloton, whether competing in grand tours with road bikes or exploring the most challenging terrains with mountain bikes.
In this homemade video you can get an idea of the stir that was caused in the streets of Asmara due to the return of the national team.
It was not the first time Eritrea had experienced epic cycling moments. In 2015, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus became the first cyclists from Black Africa to participate in the Tour de France. The first of them even wore the King of the Mountains jersey for several stages. Eritreans could hardly believe their eyes. Back home, they were also welcomed as national heroes. With Girmay's victory in Flanders, Eritrea takes another step in its growth as a cycling powerhouse in the Horn of Africa. The bicycle is part of its identity. Its authoritarian regime knows this and uses it as propaganda; a way to present itself to the world in a friendly and dynamic manner. 
Girmay, white jersey after a stage of the 2022 Paris-Nice. Image: ASO / Alex Broadway
Cycling is the king sport in Eritrea. Only football is able to attract such passion, but the enthusiasm collapsed when the national team completely deserted during a trip to Uganda. It is rare for the streets of Asmara, the capital, not to be closed to traffic on weekends for the celebration of some carrera cycling event. This passion of Eritreans for cycling comes from the strong Italian influence. From 1890 until World War II, Eritrea was an Italian colony. In the 1930s, the greats of the era already traveled to this country. Those were the days of Binda, Bartali, and company. In fact, in the local language (Tigrinya) “bicicletta” is a common everyday term. In the 1960s, Eritreans were the only cyclists from Black Africa present at the Olympic Games, although they competed under the Ethiopian flag, which at that time controlled the country. 
Girmay, at the Tour de la Provence (2021) - Image: Marianne Casamance.[/caption] In his interviews, Biniam Girmay admits that he dreams of a victory in a Milan-San Remo. For now, he has already made his mark in Flanders. He would also like to be like Peter Sagan. Who knows if it won’t be the Slovak who looks with envy at the record of this cyclist, with a whole carrera ahead of him.
Do you want to relive the feat achieved by Biniam Girmay and the huge celebration of his entire team in Belgium?