'I'm in awe' - Biniam Girmay lauded after seeing off Mathieu van der Poel in historic win at Giro d'Italia

Biniam Girmay is the newest star of cycling after his historic win at the Giro d’Italia, with Robbie McEwen saying he is “in awe” of the Eritrean on The Breakaway. Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert Materiaux) hinted at his potential with a fine win at Gent-Wevelgem in March and a string of top-five finishes at the Giro, before producing the biggest performance of his career on Tuesday. Ad/> The 21-year-old was forced to fight through the pack in the closing kilometres on Stage 10 after briefly going the wrong way on a descent – but his superb Intermarche team delivered him back to the front.

Giro d'Italia‘Take the right way!’ – Girmay’s dream almost unravels after going wrong way3 HOURS AGO It came back to a bunch sprint as Girmay launched first and saw off Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix), who sat up to salute the Eritrean as he crossed the line. It was the first time a Black African rider had won a stage at a Grand Tour. «What a performance, a team performance,” said Sean Kelly on Eurosport commentary.

“Girmay just kept his cool. Van der Poel waited and kicked but Girmay was impressive with the power he had to get to the line. Van der Poel just knew he wasn't going to come over to him and he just accepted defeat.” However, Girmay’s joy was short-lived after he was taken to hospital after popping a Prosecco cork into his left eye on the podium.

He was pictured leaving the hospital in Jesi with a bandage across his left eye, with his team set to make a decision on his future participation in the race on Wednesday morning. /> But the immediate focus was rightly about his trailblazing victory, which saw him move within three points of Arnaud Demare (Groupama-FDJ) in the race for the maglia ciclamino jersey. »A lot of