Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 8:14 AM
Biniam Girmay immediately put his nose to the window in the first sprint stage of the Giro d’Italia. Behind Jonathan Milan and winner Tim Merlier, the Eritrean finished third in Fossano. He is satisfied with that result, although there could have been a bit more, he says on the Intermarché-Wanty website.
“From the start, my teammates surrounded me well at the head of the peloton and guided me halfway to the first intermediate sprint,” Girmay begins his story about the third Giro stage. “When the peloton subsequently split, we were present with four riders from the team in the first group. With Madis Mihkels and Adrien Petit I had two riders from my sprint train at my side, so that was an ideal situation for us. We enjoyed racing in the leading group.”
Afterwards, however, everything came together again and the peloton prepared for a bunch sprint. Although none other than rose jersey wearer Tadej Pogacar pulled away on the last climb. “With my teammates, we managed as planned to start the last climb with the first ten riders. When Tadej Pogacar attacked, it was all hands on deck for everyone, as usual.”
“I am happy with this result”
Yet it came to a sprint in Fossano. “In the final preparations for the sprint it was man against man. Originally I had taken Jonathan Milan’s wheel, but when I saw that the sprint in the headwind on the right was being launched with more speed, I switched to Tim Merlier’s slipstream. The finish came a little too early for me, but I am happy with this result. It is nice to capitalize on the first sprint opportunity with a podium place. I’m looking forward to the next two or even three stages.”
