Biniam Girmay: Africa’s new cycling hero

Biniam Girmay stands on the brink of history as the first black African rider to win a stage of cycling’s biggest race: the Tour de France.

After a hard upbringing as one of six children in the Eritrean capital Asmara, he has become one of the most talented riders from the continent in the sport’s history.

We profile an extraordinary early life and examine the significance of what his achievements can mean for such an accessible sport, which, after more than 100 years, remains almost completely white European.

(Photo: Biniam Girmay of Eritrea and team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty celebrates at podium as stage winner during the 86th Tour de Suisse 2023. Credit: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)