Tour de France: 'I thought it was just for white or European people' - Biniam Girmay ahead of debut

As Biniam Girmay prepares to ride the Tour de France for the first time, the Eritrean trailblazer has told Eurosport he grew up thinking cycling’s biggest race was “just for white or European people”. Girmay became the first African cyclist to win a one-day classic at Gent-Wevelgem in March 2022, then followed it up with a historic win at the Giro d’Italia two months later – the first time a Black African had won a stage at a Grand Tour. Ad Cycling has been accused of not doing enough to address diversity.

In 2011, Frenchman Yohann Gene became the first Black rider to appear at the Tour de France – in the 98th edition of the race. The peloton remains overwhelmingly white. Giro d'ItaliaGirmay hoping to inspire more 'big moments for African cycling' this season02/05/2023 AT 19:39 Speaking on the latest episode of The Power of Sport, Girmay revealed it was only when compatriots Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus appeared at the Tour in 2015 for African-registered team MTN–Qhubeka that he realised it was a possibility.

Teklehaimanot wore the climbers' polka dot jersey for four stages before being dislodged by eventual overall champion Chris Froome. “When I was young, I never dreamed of participating in races like the Tour de France because I thought it was just for white or European people. I didn’t think I stood a chance there,” said Girmay.

“When Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus reached those heights for the first time, it made me think I could also do something. It changed my perspective and had a great impact on my mentality.” Girmay has not raced at a Grand Tour since abandoning the Giro after popping a Prosecco cork in his eye after his historic triumph. He arrives at the Tour de France with two victories to