Eritrean Cyclists Inspired by Biniam Girmay’s Achievements Aim for Further Success

Eritrea led the medal count at the African Road Cycling Championships held in Kenya this month, securing 16 podium finishes. Biniam Girmay, a 24-year-old cyclist from Eritrea, is celebrated as a national hero in his country, known for its passion for cycling. This year, Girmay, dubbed the “African King,” became the first black African to win a stage at the Tour de France and also claimed the race’s green jersey, motivating many aspiring cyclists to follow in his footsteps. Keven Teklemariam, a 17-year-old emerging talent in cycling, expressed his ambition to BBC Tigrinya, stating, “My goal is not to repeat what Biniam did. I aim to surpass it.” He added that Girmay “showed us that what seemed impossible is achievable,” indicating his own trajectory towards a successful professional career. During the African Road Cycling Championships in Eldoret, Kenya, earlier this month, Teklemariam secured two of Eritrea’s seven gold medals. He was the sole competitor at the event to achieve victories in more than one race. This notable showing by the teenager was comparable to Girmay’s significant performance at the 2018 African Championships in Rwanda, where Girmay earned three gold medals in the junior divisions. Teklemariam expressed pride in being part of Asbeco, the cycling club where Girmay started his career prior to receiving a scholarship from the International Cycling Union (UCI). Teklemariam remarked, “Biniam is a talented rider who has achieved things no African cyclist ever has,” and added, “It excites me that he rode for the same club where I’m training now.” Yonas Zekarias, who coached Girmay in his formative years, now coaches Teklemariam. Zekarias identified similarities between the two athletes, telling the BBC, “When Biniam won three medals in 2018, I said then that he could reach the highest level in cycling.” He further commented, “Now, Keven and his teammates show the same potential and maturity.” Henok Mulubrhan, a professional cyclist for Astana-Qazaqstan and a three-time African champion, holds a positive view of Teklemariam’s abilities. Mulubrhan stated, “I know these young riders well,” and noted, “Some of them train with me in Eritrea, and Keven is certainly one to watch.” In Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, bicycles are the primary means of transportation. Cycling is deeply embedded in Eritrean culture, a tradition stemming from more than 50 years of Italian colonial governance. This practice, initially a form of transport, has transformed into a significant source of athletic achievement for Eritrea, a small East African country that seldom registers a global presence. Over the last ten years, Eritrean cyclists have progressively earned international acclaim. In 2015, Daniel Teklehaimanot made history as the first African to wear the Tour de France’s polka dot jersey, which is awarded to the best climber. This achievement set a precedent for subsequent cyclists, including Girmay, who has since reached numerous other significant milestones. In 2022, Girmay became the first African male cyclist to win a one-day classic race and also the first black African to secure a stage victory in a Grand Tour event. This latter achievement, initially at the Giro d’Italia, was replicated at the Tour de France in July. Girmay, who once found it hard to envision himself competing in cycling’s most prestigious race, conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “Now is our time. This is for all of Africa.” He subsequently secured two additional stage victories, leading to his historic green jersey as the leading points scorer. His accomplishments also resulted in a nomination for the esteemed Velo d’Or award, marking another first for an African cyclist. The recipient of this award, which honors the world’s top cyclist, is scheduled to be revealed on 6 December. Girmay continues to reside and train in Asmara, the Eritrean capital, where his successes are enthusiastically celebrated, and a consistent stream of cycling talent emerges. Eritrea demonstrated its dominance at this year’s African Road Championships in Kenya, leading the medal table with a total of 16 podium placements. Keven Teklemariam secured victories in both the junior men’s road race and time trial at this year’s African Road Championships. The Eritrean cycling community is now filled with excitement, contemplating whether the nation could produce the first African cyclist to win the prestigious yellow jersey for the general classification at the Tour de France. Zekarias suggested that this aspiration could be achieved within ten years, provided an appropriate development strategy is implemented. He predicted, “If these junior riders get the opportunity to train at the UCI centre, I believe they could win the yellow jersey in the next five or six years.” Henri Cornet holds the record as the youngest general classification winner in Tour history, having won in 1904 just before his 20th birthday. More recently, Tadej Pogacar, a Slovenian cyclist, secured the title in 2020 at 21 years old and has since accumulated three victories. Teklemariam expressed his ambition to emulate their success, stating, “I’m younger than Pogacar was when he won, but if you’re dedicated, nothing is impossible.” The teenager added, “Victory begins with self-confidence,” and posed the question, “If I win in Africa and stay dedicated, why not in Europe? Why not in the Giro? Why not in the Tour de France?”