Girmay would be happy to win just one Tour stage next year: "I already got what I never even dreamed of before"

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 Primoz Roglic "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."

The influence of the Tour de France extends far beyond Europe, even reaching Girmay’s homeland of Eritrea. "Even at home, in my country, some people they only know the Tour. To win stages in the Tour and to win a green jersey, you have support all around the world so for me, I feel like this has changed a lot," he shared in an interview with Cyclingnews.

During that stage, a combination of circumstances allowed Girmay to chase his personal success. His breakthrough on the world stage had a bit of "luck" involved. "My plan was to be kind of lead out on the really flat stages," but due to a crash, Girmay was given the chance to sprint for himself during that third stage. The message that came through the radio to Girmay was: "Okay, focus on yourself and try your best."

And that’s exactly what the Eritrean did. "And all of a sudden, you know, I just find myself in the perfect position, and I don't know why. I just felt super, super good. When I started sprinting my mind is somewhere you cannot explain now, because like I said, it's not my plan – my plan is to just give lead out and there is no stress. Because for me, my job is just to to do good lead out. I don't care if I win or I lose, because it's not my job on that day. But yeah, when I won at that stage, it's like things changed completely." The rest is history.

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."

Speaking to Cyclingnews, Girmay shared his thoughts on heading into 2025 with a different kind of pressure. "I know where I come from… I know what I need to do, so I know my potential but I don't want to expect, like to win five stages. For me I don't care if I win two stages for next year, or one stage or I don't win green. I already got what I never even dreamed of before."