2024 Tour de France Stage 3 | Highlights
Report
In an electrifying third stage of the Tour de France, Biniam Girmay etched his name in the annals of cycling history. On July 1, 2024, Girmay claimed a monumental victory in Turin, propelling Intermarché-Wanty to its first-ever triumph in the world-renowned Grande Boucle.
The stage, spanning 230 kilometers from Piacenza to Turin, was primed for a sprinter’s showcase. The Belgian outfit, rallying behind Girmay and Gerben Thijssen, navigated the final kilometers with strategic finesse. Georg Zimmermann set the stage, positioning the team at the forefront of the peloton with 10 kilometers remaining. The final hectometers saw Hugo Page, Laurenz Rex, and Mike Teunissen take the reins, orchestrating a masterful lead-out.
As the race hurtled through Turin’s streets, the Intermarché-Wanty train, with Thijssen at the helm and Girmay as the wildcard, unleashed a blistering sprint. Girmay, riding in the slipstream of Mads Pedersen, burst forth from the right-hand barriers to seize victory with a powerful 200-meter surge.
Girmay’s triumph is not just a personal milestone but a groundbreaking moment for African cycling. He becomes the first black African cyclist to win a Tour de France stage, building on his previous successes at Ghent-Wevelgem and the Giro d’Italia.
Reflecting on his victory, Girmay shared, “This is a historic day, I’m so happy for myself, for my Intermarché-Wanty team, but also for my country and my continent. Winning the Tour de France is so incredible, especially in such a competitive sprint. I’d like to thank my team, in particular Jean-François Bourlart who dreamed of this Tour victory, my family, all my compatriots and all those who supported me.”
With this win, Intermarché-Wanty not only celebrates its tenth victory of 2024 but also completes a Grand Tour victory trilogy, following triumphs in the Giro and the Vuelta. This victory is a testament to the team’s prowess and Girmay’s indomitable spirit, marking a new era in cycling where dreams turn into reality.
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