8. Biniam Girmay offers Eritrea an historic victory in the Giro d’Italia after an incredible 300-meter sprint.
« Like in Gent-Wevelgem, my teammates played a major role in the victory. Everything was perfect that day: the work from the start, the lead-out, the sprint. Even my teammates ranked in the top ten overall gave up their own interests to protect me all day. I will never forget how Domenico Pozzovivo suddenly came forward in the last kilometer and set me up fantastically. I was impressed by the team spirit of my teammates and I wanted to reward them at all costs once my turn came in the final hectometres. I saw the 300-meter sign and couldn't wait to launch my effort. Thanks to one of the best sprints of my life, I beat a great champion like Mathieu van der Poel and won the stage. It was an incredible moment not only for me, but for my country and African cycling. It was a dream to win a stage in a Grand Tour and that's why it means so much to me to be the first black African to succeed. In Eritrea, everyone follows the Grand Tours. A huge crowd gathered in the streets to welcome me on my return to Asmara, a week after my victory. It was breathtaking. »
