By Okon Ekpenyong, Photo by Tour De France 

The 2024 Tour de France has captivated the world’s attention, but perhaps even more significant is the impact it has had on the continent of Africa and its cyclists. The prestigious event has shone a spotlight on the region’s immense talent and potential in the sport of cycling. 

In addition to the historic victory of former UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) trainee Biniam Girmay, the Tour also featured eight young African athletes who are part of the Africa 2025 project, symbolizing the bright future of African cycling. This groundbreaking event has not only brought recognition to the region, but it has also opened doors for the development and growth of the sport in Africa.

Girmay’s win at the third stage and the participation of the African athletes in the sixth stage were significant milestones that underscored the success and potential of African cyclists on the global stage.

On July 5th, following Girmay’s first win at the third stage from Plaisance to Turin, the group of African cyclists, driven by their determination to succeed, had the opportunity to meet their Tour de France idols and be welcomed into the cycling community at the sixth stage between Mâcon and Dijon. These athletes, aged between 17 and 24, are based in Brittany, France, and are training and racing as part of the Africa 2025 project established by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and its World Cycling Centre (WCC).

The Africa 2025 project, a testament to the UCI’s commitment to African cycling, aims to prepare 18 athletes from the African continent for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. The athletes were introduced at the start of the sixth stage, cycled the last 30km of the stage behind the caravan, watched the finish, and took part in the award ceremony alongside UCI Director General Amina Lanaya. They also had the opportunity to meet with Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme and some of the competing athletes.

The African focus continued at the seventh stage, with Eritrean Awet Aman Goniche riding the individual time trial route on a Qhubeka bike, similar to those financed by the Tour de France in 2018, to support African students in riding to school.

The presence of an official delegation from the Local Organising Committee of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships added to the African celebrations at the Tour de France. The delegation included the President of Rwanda’s National Federation (FERWACY), Samson Ndayishimiye, and their visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of liberation in Rwanda.

UCI President David Lappartient expressed his excitement for the African athletes experiencing the atmosphere and racing at the Tour de France as part of their preparation for the upcoming UCI Road World Championships. He reassured the audience of the UCI’s unwavering support for African riders and the motivation that events like the Tour de France provide for these young cyclists.

Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme emphasized the importance of showcasing African talent in cycling and inspiring the champions of tomorrow. He praised the efforts to strengthen the link between elite and everyday cycling, empowering individuals through the sport.

The African trainee athletes in the Tour de France experience included participants from the Africa 2025 Project and UCI Women’s Continental Team, WCC Team members. Accompanied by former pro cyclist Tsgabu Grmay, now a coach for the UCI WCC’s Continental Development Satellite in South Africa, these young athletes represent the future of African cycling on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Biniam Girmay, from Eritrea, has clinched a momentous victory in stage 12 of the Tour de France, a triumph reverberating across the cycling world. His stunning display of skill and speed, riding under Intermarche-Wanty, marks his third win at this prestigious event. 

This victory highlights African cyclists’ talent and showcases black cyclists’ skills on the international stage. Girmay’s success is a source of pride for all past, present, and future African cyclists, as he had previously won stages 3 and 8 before his latest triumph on stage 12. 

This win further solidified his dominance in the green jersey, a symbol of the best sprinter in the race. The Eritrean cyclist outshone his competitors in a thrilling sprint to the finish line in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, leaving Wout van Aert of Visma-Lease a Bike and Arnaud DemareArkea-B&B Hotels in his wake.

“The last 600m, I found Mik, and then he did a super good job. He took me from 15th to top 3, and I knew I could deliver from there,” Biniam Girmay said. 

The excitement of Stage 12 was heightened by a crash towards the end involving Primoz Roglic of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a key contender in the race. The crash occurred in the final kilometers and caused a shakeup in the general classification standings. Despite the setback, Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates maintained his lead in the yellow jersey, with Remco Evenepoel of Soudal-Quick Step close behind.

The picturesque route from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot provided a stunning backdrop for the day’s events, with Valentin Madouas of Groupama-FDJ initiating a successful breakaway. A breakaway is when a small group of riders, in this case, Madouas and his teammates Quentin Pacher and other riders, escape from the leading group and attempt to stay ahead. The quartet maintained a lead over the peloton, with Jonas Abrahamsen of Uno-X claiming mountain classification points along the way.

As the race unfolded, the peloton closed on the breakaway group, setting the stage for an exhilarating finale in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Girmay’s spectacular sprint to the finish line captivated spectators and solidified his status as a formidable force in this year’s Tour de France.

Despite the challenges faced on the road, the riders showcased their resilience and determination, making Stage 12 a memorable chapter in the history of this iconic race. As the competition heats up, cycling enthusiasts worldwide are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next thrilling Tour de France 2024 stage.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url