Tour de France sprint champion Girmay is ready to take on Van der Poel in the Flemish Classics

We haven't a damned bit of him yet, but if we’re to believe Biniam Girmay, it’s best to keep an eye on him this spring. The Eritrean rider just became a father, trained in his home country, and after a rather anonymous performance in Milan–San Remo, he's ready for the Flemish classics.

Girmay began his season for Intermarché–Wanty back in January on Mallorca, but only managed a few top-ten finishes. A fourth place in the Trofeo Ses Salines, ninth in the Trofeo Palma, and sixth in the Figueira Champions Classic didn’t exactly set cycling fans’ hearts racing. In the Tour of the Algarve, he finished second behind Jordi Meeus on stage three, but abandoned the race after four days—his son was on the way, and Girmay returned to Eritrea. As a brand-new father, he returned to racing last Saturday at Milan–San Remo.

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Girmay says he’s in top form

A 14th place in La Primavera was certainly respectable, even if Girmay wasn’t able to contest the sprint for fourth in the second group. Still, he heads into the Flemish races in good shape. Girmay will take on the E3 Saxo Classic, Gent–Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris–Roubaix — and says he’s ready. “I’m looking forward to returning to the Flemish classics, especially because I feel like I’m currently in top form,” the Eritrean star said in a press release.

“I was happy with my performance in Milan–San Remo, and felt good on both the Cipressa and the Poggio,” he added. “Friday’s E3 Classic also has key moments like the Paterberg. But you need to be ready to fight every second, because as we saw last year with Mathieu van der Poel’s early attack, the racing will be full-on from the moment we reach La Houppe. Gent–Wevelgem plays out very differently because of the course.”

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Girmay won Gent-Wevelgem in 2022

Girmay will celebrate his birthday in Dwars door Vlaanderen

Girmay made his mark by winning Gent–Wevelgem in 2022. His three stage wins and the green jersey in the 2024 Tour de France solidified his place among the elite. “I’ve now gained experience in a variety of conditions. My win three years ago came in beautiful weather, with a controlled start followed by an intense section over the climbs. Last year, strong winds in the Moeren meant it was full gas from the start, creating an immediate selection.”

He’s no rookie anymore — and this spring, Girmay is out to prove it. Ever since that breakthrough win in Gent–Wevelgem, fans have been waiting for him to truly shine on the Flemish cobblestones. “I’m really excited to race again. And I’m especially looking forward to riding Dwars door Vlaanderen on my birthday, and soaking up the incredible atmosphere that awaits us in the Tour of Flanders.”

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