Girmay couldn't execute ideal sprint after colliding with Alaphilippe: "But metrics are good, more chances will come"
CyclingWednesday, 17 January 2024 at 16:17
Biniam Girmay was among the top contenders for the stage win leading up to the second stage of the Tour Down Under. However, the Eritrean rider found himself unable to contend for the day's victory, as Isaac Del Toro surprised the peloton and emerged as the strongest in the end. Girmay finished fourth, but his chances were hindered in the final kilometer when he had an unfortunate collision with Julian Alaphilippe. "I'm quite disappointed," he shared with Cyclingnews.
"I gave my best to endure this day until the end, and I'm disappointed with how it concluded. I collided with Julian Alaphilippe with five hundred meters to go, effectively dashing my hopes for the win. I hit him, I believe, near his foot. My wheel wasn't straight anymore, and I lost a significant amount of speed. As a result, I couldn't execute my sprint the way I had intended. Nonetheless, in the end, Del Toro proved to be the strongest, I believe!"
Girmay proud as wearer of the points jersey and looks forward to new opportunities on Thursday and Friday
The second stage presented a prime opportunity for Girmay to break his 2024 dry spell, particularly with contenders like Sam Welsford already out of the competition. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Nevertheless, due to the consistent performance of the Intermarché-Wanty sprinter, he now proudly dons the blue points jersey. "We didn't have enough teammates to control the situation, even though I maintained good values up the climb. Wearing the points jersey always brings me joy. It's why I do this, so I'm pleased to have it."
Looking ahead, there are fresh opportunities for sprinters on Thursday and Friday, with Girmay once again poised as one of the favorites. "These stages, starting tomorrow, are less challenging. There will still be chances."
Il Lombardia 2024
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024