Biniam Girmay, an Eritrean cyclist, has made headlines in the 2024 Tour de France by winning three stages and securing the prestigious green jersey.

Despite his remarkable achievements in cycling, Girmay considers the birth of his daughter as the most significant moment of his life.

While he appreciates the support from fans, Girmay prefers a quieter life, as the demands of training and competition require intense focus.

He acknowledged the challenge of balancing public interest with personal downtime, emphasizing the necessity of rest in his rigorous training regimen.

In terms of his experiences with racism in cycling, Girmay reported a positive outlook, stating he has always felt respected and has not faced racial incidents during his career.

He highlighted the encouragement he has received in countries like Spain and Japan, which contribute to a supportive and inclusive atmosphere within the cycling community.

Girmay expressed pride in the passionate support from Eritrean fans, noting the sport's popularity in Eritrea, which adds to the pressure of his newfound fame.

Looking ahead, Girmay aims to achieve further victories in prestigious races like the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, although he finds it unlikely to match Mark Cavendish's record of stage wins.

Girmay's historic victory at the Ghent-Wevelgem in 2022 marked him as the first African cyclist to win a World Tour classic, showcasing the growing representation of African athletes in the sport.

He acknowledged the duality of being an inspiration to many, enjoying the support while sometimes struggling with the attention that comes with it.

Patrick Lefebvre, manager of the Soudal Quick Step team, praised Girmay's performance and the team's consistency, as they ranked third in the UCI points standings for 2024.

Girmay's exceptional cycling season has not only elevated his profile but also highlighted the potential for future African talent in competitive cycling.