Girmay ready for the Tour of Flanders: "I can't wait to seize this moment and shine"

"Returning to Bruges for the start of the Tour of Flanders brings back vivid memories of my debut two years ago, on my birthday," Girmay begins his story. "The team presentation on the Grote Markt was very special, thanks to the audience singing a birthday song for me and my wife's message on the big screen."

Although Girmay has not yet achieved great results on the Tour of Flanders, he is looking forward to it. "The incredible energy of the spectators at the Monuments gives me goosebumps. That's why the Oude Kwaremont is my favorite climb in Flanders, with so many people cheering us on, no matter the weather. We climbed it twice on Thursday during our recon. It was warm and sunny, so we enjoyed it."

"This Friday is completely devoted to rest and recovery because the past seven days were very intense with the E3 Saxo Classic, Gent-Wevelgem, and Dwars door Vlaanderen," Girmay continues. "Now that Paris-Roubaix has been added to my program, it is the first time that I will be riding three Monuments in the same season. I can't wait to seize this moment and let the colors of Intermarché-Wanty shine!"

In the classics, the Eritrean will receive support from Laurenz Rex, who, like his teammate, is looking forward to Sunday. "Starting a Monument in Bruges, a stone's throw from my home, will be a special feeling. This Thursday, the team and I explored the course one last time to memorize the changes. It gives me a good feeling to ride the slopes again, for example, the steep Koppenberg, which we only climb in the Tour of Flanders."

After the Tour of Flanders, Girmay prepares for the next race. On Sunday, April 7, he will make his debut in Paris-Roubaix. The sprinter, who achieved his greatest success in France last summer by winning several stages in the Tour de France and conquering the points classification, knows it will be tough in the Hell of the North. "It is one of the most difficult races," he said in the announcement video.

"It is great fun to discover the race and a real honor to be able to participate. I'm looking forward to it," said the fast rider. But whether he can compete for the prizes is still anyone's guess. Van der Poel, Pogačar, Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Filippo Ganna are some of the world's top cyclists who have set their sights on victory in the Vélodrome of Roubaix.