“Quiet” and talented, Eritrean Biniam Girmay is elected African Cyclist of 2020
Biniam Girmay winner of the 6th stage in Port-Gentil, January 25, 2020. Photo: Gautier DemoTropicale Amissa Bongo
Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow
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The African Cyclist of the Year 2020 trophy was awarded on Monday, December 21 to Eritrean Biniam Girmay.
At 20, he is the youngest recipient of this award.
In 2020, the rider of the Nippo Delko One Provence training shone and progressed, both in Africa and in Europe.
And with its potential, the future looks even better.
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Barely a season as a professional, and already among the most prominent African riders.
Biniam Girmay
was named African Cyclist of the Year 2020 by a jury of 25 people, under the aegis of Bernard Hinault, five-time winner of the Tour de France.
A prize that salutes "
the rider from the continent who achieved the best performances of the season and succeeded, by his influence, in making African cycling known on the world stage
", according to the definition given by the jury.
The Eritrean received the most votes and is ahead of his compatriot Natnael Tesfatsion on the podium, while the Rwandan Moïse Mugisha is on the third step.
Biniam Girmay
succeeds the South African Daryl Impey
, winner in 2019, and allows his country to accentuate its leadership in the list of African Cyclist of the Year with five victories now (Natnael Berhane in 2012, Mekseb Debesay in 2014, Daniel Teklehaimanot in 2015, Tesfom Okubamariam in 2016 and therefore Biniam Girmay), against three for South Africa (Louis Meintjes twice in 2013 and in 2016, and Daryl Impey) and one for Rwanda (Joseph Areruya in 2018).
"We will hear about him in the years to come"
Last January, the one we nickname "Bini" made an impression
on the Tropical Amissa Bongo
, where he won two stages and finished first in the points classification, even though he had not yet celebrated. its 20th anniversary.
Based in France near Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), the rider of the Franco-Japanese team Nippo Delko One Provence (2nd division) then performed in Europe.
He notably took second place in the Laigueglia Trophy (Italy) as well as in the Tour du Doubs (France).
“
Biniam Girmay is a great hope for African cycling.
Last year, he beat André Greipel in the sprint on the Tropical Amissa Bongo, which was already a benchmark.
(...) He progresses very quickly thanks to his natural qualities as a puncher.
We will hear from him in the years to come.
It's a certainty,
”assures Bernard Hinault.
🔊 Biniam Girmay Hailu with the team until 2024! The young Eritrean runner has just accepted the proposal of ...
Posted by Team NIPPO DELKO One Provence on Thursday, September 24, 2020
" He fears nothing "
Contacted by
Thomas de Saint Leger
for
RFI
, L'Équipe journalist Philippe Le Gars also noted the progress of the cyclist: “
He has managed to adapt with a lot of nerve and mischief.
It is a good symbol.
He started the season in Africa by winning in Gabon, then he went on to shine in Italy and France.
I think he is indeed the rider who most deserved this title.
"
Last February, during the Tour of Rwanda where he had distinguished himself again - leader of the general classification for one day - Biniam Girmay, then learning the French language, confided to
RFI
that "
quiet
" was his "
Fetish word
".
“
I just want to enjoy my life, so I don't feel the pressure,
” he explained.
This is perhaps the key to its evolution this year.
“
What's interesting about him is that he's not afraid of anything.
In this sport, you should not look at the big names next to you.
You have to go, dare, and that's what he does.
He has the means to make further progress
, ”observes Philippe Le Gars.
Fifth in the ranking of African Cyclist of the Year 2019, now the youngest winner, how far can Biniam Girmay go?
“
We are now waiting for him to take another step, to win a media race.
I think he has the means, because he has no complexes.
He is not a runner impressed by his surroundings.
It already seems armored,
”says Philippe Le Gars.
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