'It's not easy to handle' - Biniam Girmay opens up about the pressures of expectation

Eritrean speaks to the Black Cyclists Network about his journey to the top and shares about a difficult couple of years

Ever since that famous March afternoon in 2022, when Biniam Girmay held hands aloft becoming the first black rider to win a classic at Gent-Wevelgem, the cycling world has expected great things from the Eritrean. Not least his Eritrean fans, who follow him to every race, hoping for a glimpse of greatness.

With the Tour de France just days away, Africa sits in hope for Bini to deliver a prized stage win. A win which would have a ripple effect across the whole continent. The impact of that win would be enormous, something that Girmay has been aware of as it weighs heavy on his shoulders.

In a recent interview with the Black Cyclists Network, Girmay shared in depth about how that pressure has effected him over the last couple of years.

He also spoke about his life and his journey from Eritrea to the top of the cycling world. From beating Remco Evenepoel as a junior, to joining the UCI’s World Cycling Centre and much more. He noted the likes of Tsgabu Grmay, Daryl Impey and Daniel Teklehaimanot as African riders who inspired him as a young man and spoke about his family ties to the sport.

Girmay spoke openly about a difficult 2023 in which the results failed to flow as before. Just like this year, his season was built around the Tour de France. Third place on stage 7 was the best he could achieve then - although in doing so, he became the first black African ever to finish on the podium of a Tour de France stage.

The pressure of expectation had mounted on the now 24-year-old, effecting his performance.

"It’s a lot of pressure, really a lot to be honest,” Girmay said.