Girmay couldn't execute ideal sprint after colliding with Alaphilippe: "But metrics are good, more chances will come"

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."