Just a month after he had to stop racing in the Giro d’Italia after a freak injury from a champagne cork that hit his eye, Biniam Girmay the Eritrean hero returned to racing with a great win in his home country of Eritrea at the National Time Trial Championships. With so many fans cheering him on after his win today, it is to be recalled that Biniam was a winner in his first ever stage win at the Giro las month. A historic moment as he became the first Black African in a Grand Tour victory on stage 10 in the town of Jesi. After a little rest and recovery Bini is back again in full force as he outpaced two other top notch riders for the big win in Eritrea today. Merhawi Kudus finished the race 15 seconds behind Biniam and Amanuel Gebrezgiabher finished 27 seconds behind Biniam to stand third.
Eritrean national time trial championships
1. Biniam Girmay Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux
2. Merhawi Kudus EF Education – Easypost
3. Amanuel Gebrezgabihier Trek – Segafredo
Meanwhile, in the female elite and under 23 categories that covered 18 km, Danait Fitsum and Adiam Dawit from Denden Club won the Gold and Silver medals respectively while Milena Yafet the Bronze medal.
Eritrea Road Cycling Championship 2022 commences today, 24 June, at the Asmara Martyrs Cemetery area with an individual time trial.
Biniam who is known for his great sprints, surprised many with his ability to compete as a time trialist as well. He won his first national championships in Eritrea ahead of many top cyclists. Many countries are hosting their national championships this week, with the time trials on Thursday, and the road races on the weekend. Eri-internationalsports has learned that Biniam will be participating and could be a huge favorite for the sprint stages at the upcoming Tour de France. The great part for most Eritreans is that he could very well be wearing his national championship jersey in the time trial. There’s also a strong chance he can take the road title.
Arsema Woldemicael also won the junior females’ category that covered 9 km, while Niat Teklehaimanot from Denden Club and Fithawit Teklu from Arag Club finished second and third.
Contribution from the Ministry of Information Eritrea.
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