Biniam Girmay to represent Eritrea at Kigali World Championships

Biniam Girmay, the first African rider to climb the podium as a silver medalist in the under-23 men’s road race at the UCI Road World Championships, has confirmed that he will represent Eritrea at the 98th edition of the World Championships, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 21-28.

The 25-year-old, who rides professionally for UCI World Team Intermarché-Wanty, will compete in Europe at the Super 8 Classic in Belgium on September 20 before heading to Kigali. the first African city to host the UCI Road World Championships.

"I recently met with the national federation, and they need me at the World Championships to show my support for the Eritrean team. That’s why I’ve decided to ride," Girmay said.

"For me, the World Championships are actually the only chance to wear the Eritrean jersey. It’s always great to be able to ride for my country."

Who is Biniam Girmay?

Biniam Girmay is an Eritrean professional cyclist who began his career at the World Cycling Centre in 2018, claiming triple titles in the junior men’s categories at the African Continental Championships.

He has since established himself as one of Africa’s greatest riders, making history as the first African to win a silver medal in the under-23 men’s road race at the 2021 UCI Road World Championships.

Girmay went on to achieve stage wins at the 2022 Giro d’Italia (stage 10) and Gent-Wevelgem, before shining on cycling’s biggest stage in 2024 by winning three stages of the Tour de France (stages 3, 8, and 12), along with the green jersey in the points classification. His victories also include the 2024 Circuit Franco Belge, Surf Coast Classic, and stage 2 of the Tour de Suisse.