Girmay feels unconditional support: "Racist incidents occur in other sports, not in cycling"

The Intermarché-Wanty rider looks back on a fantastic year. "Especially a great summer, a great Tour de France with lots of success and great memories," he told Marca in Japan during the Criterium of Saitama, where he won the sprint from Primož Roglič "impressively." Girmay further reflected on his Tour: "It's hard to comprehend. But I am not sure this is the best moment of my life because that was when my daughter was born. But after that, yes, in terms of sports, these are the best victories."

At 24, Girmay achieved his 16th victory, but most importantly, he made history with his Tour victories. Although he remains humble, his achievements have made him a role model for his country. "I don't know if I am a role model for the youth, but I think having someone from your country win big races is good. It can be an inspiration."

Girmay's massive popularity is evidenced by the enthusiastic fans who follow him everywhere. "The fans in my country are very passionate. Cycling is prevalent in Eritrea." Still, sometimes, it is challenging for the sprinter to enjoy his peace. "I like a peaceful life, but that is difficult when you have so many fans," he admits. For example, he has sometimes worn a different jersey to avoid attracting too much attention during training. "I love that they support me, but it's also difficult. This sport requires a lot of rest. You have to train, rest, and follow strict programs. But I also understand that people are so happy and want to meet me."

In conversation with Velo, Girmay elaborated a bit more. Because although he is a big star, he prefers to keep both feet on the ground. "I’m an orthodox Christian and, yeah, we are really religious. And my daughter, my family … it’s not only about yourself, the success, it’s also the [people] behind you, they push you to reach your goal, or they help you to find your goal. I’m lucky to have a beautiful family and people next to me. To be honest, my wife … I’m always away from home … she [does] everything for me 100 per cent. Training, nutrition, recovery... If you work hard, for sure, it pays off one day."

Girmay is held in high regard, basically by all of cycling. No bad words, no racism, no oppression. "I have always been treated well wherever I was, although we have seen such incidents in other sports. In cycling, it's just the opposite." And that is highly positive. For the future, Girmay hopes for more top African cyclists in the peloton. "I don't know if it will happen soon, but let's keep hoping."

His goals are clear regarding his future: "I want to win more stages in the Tour, but there is also a lot to improve. Riding several races has helped me piece together small details. So, for me, my heart is still … I want to do something better. San Remo, Flanders, and Roubaix. It’s quite hard but the spring classics I really want to improve my result. So I’m really working on that, and I hope one day I will be able to achieve my goal."