Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay secured his third stage victory at this year’s Tour de France, cementing his status as one of the race’s standout performers.
Stage 12, spanning a challenging 203.6km from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, saw Girmay outpace a competitive field, including Belgian star Wout van Aert, to claim the win in a dramatic bunch sprint.
Girmay, riding for Intermarche-Wanty, has been a revelation in this year’s Tour. His victory on Stage 3 marked a historic moment as he became the first black African to win a Tour de France stage.
He followed up with another impressive win on Stage 8, and his latest triumph further establishes him as the fastest sprinter in this year’s race.
The sprint into Villeneuve-sur-Lot was intense, with Girmay, 24, timing his final burst to perfection. As the pack hurtled towards the finish line, Girmay surged ahead, leaving behind van Aert and other contenders. Mark Cavendish initially crossed the line in fifth place but was relegated due to an illegal move in the sprint.
“The green jersey gives me wings – I feel super fast. It’s in the head. I’ve had my ups and downs in recent seasons, but I changed things this year and it’s working,” Girmay said after his victory. His words reflect the confidence and mental strength that have driven his remarkable performances.
Girmay’s win also extended his lead in the points classification, giving him a commanding 111-point advantage over his nearest rival, Jasper Philipsen. With the green jersey almost certainly his, Girmay’s focus now shifts to maintaining his form and possibly adding more stage wins to his tally.
The stage wasn’t without its drama and setbacks. Primoz Roglic, a key contender for the overall title, suffered a significant blow after a late crash with just 12km remaining.
The Slovenian rider, who had been showing promising form, finished with a ripped jersey and a bloodied shoulder. The crash saw him lose two minutes and 27 seconds to the leaders, dropping from fourth to sixth in the general classification.
Roglic’s misfortune highlights the unpredictable nature of the Tour de France, where a moment’s lapse or an unfortunate incident can dramatically alter the race dynamics. Race leader Tadej Pogacar, who had to navigate a crash earlier in the stage and required a bike change, empathized with his compatriot’s plight.
“It is really devastating. He was in very good shape already, and I could feel he was getting better with every stage. I’m pretty sure he would have been fighting for the GC in the next few days,” Pogacar commented.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, the yellow jersey remains with Pogacar. The Slovenian star holds a lead of one minute and six seconds over Remco Evenepoel, with defending champion Jonas Vingegaard a further eight seconds behind.
Pogacar’s resilience and ability to stay composed under pressure were evident as he rejoined the main group after his early-stage issues without much fuss.
The day’s stage was characterized by a few key breakaway attempts, notably a four-man group featuring Groupama-FDJ riders Valentin Madouas and Quentin Pacher, Jonas Abrahamsen of Uno-X Mobility, and Total Energies’ Anthony Turgis.
They managed to open up a three-and-a-half-minute advantage over the peloton. However, the peloton, driven by the sprinters’ teams eager to set up a bunch sprint, reeled them back with over 40km remaining.
As the race progresses towards the Pyrenees, the dynamics are set to shift again. Stage 13, a relatively flat 165.3km route from Agen to Pau, offers another opportunity for the sprinters, though the hilly terrain near the finish could prove challenging.
Mark Cavendish, who recently claimed a record 35th Tour de France stage win, will be eyeing this stage as one of his remaining opportunities for victory.
The overall general classification remains tight at the top, with Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Vingegaard separated by just over a minute. João Almeida, Carlos Rodriguez, and the recovering Roglic are also in the mix, each hoping to capitalize on any opportunities in the upcoming stages.
For Biniam Girmay, this Tour de France has already been a career-defining event. With three stage wins and the green jersey likely secured, he has made history and inspired many. His achievements underscore the growing diversity and global reach of cycling, bringing new fans and a fresh perspective to the sport.
As the Tour enters its crucial phases, all eyes will be on the battles for stage wins, the green jersey, and the coveted yellow jersey. Girmay’s electrifying sprints, Roglic’s fightback, and Pogacar’s dominance promise to deliver more drama and excitement in the days ahead.
Source: BBC Africa
