A huge sensation in cycling: Biniam Girmay from Eritrea has become the first African to win the tough Gent-Wevelgem classic, stealing the show from the stars around Wout van Aert.
After 248.8 kilometres, the 21-year-old surprisingly took victory in the sprint of a four-man lead group ahead of the Frenchman Christophe Laporte and the Belgian Dries van Gestel. German riders played no role in the decision, with Jonas Koch in 22nd place being the best.
"This is incredible. I didn't expect to win a race like this," said Girmay after his coup and sees a great future for African cycling: "A lot will change. We will have a bright future."
Girmay repeatedly makes history
Girmay had already made history at last year's World Championships when he finished second on the podium in the U23 race. The 21-year-old came into professional cycling via the UCI's development programme. In the middle of last year, he finally switched to the WorldTour with the Belgian team Intermarché-Wanty Gobert.
Girmay then really took off this year. He won the race in Alcudia on Mallorca. This was followed by strong performances at Milan-Sanremo (10th) and the E3 Prize (5th). However, he does not want to start at the Tour of Flanders next weekend. "I miss my wife, my daughter. I want to get back home first."
All eyes were on all-rounder van Aert. And the Belgian, who had just won the E3 prize in Harelbeke on Friday, launched an attack on the Kemmelberg on the final climb. But his rivals did not let the Olympic silver medallist go this time. In the end, he had to settle for twelfth place.
Nikias Arndt had played a good role for a long time. The 30-year-old was part of a breakaway group that was caught a good 65 kilometres before the finish.
Copyright 2022, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
