Biniam Girmay caused a sensation on the tenth stage of the Giro d’Italia and celebrated a historic success. The tragic turnaround followed a little later: after an accident at the award ceremony, the 22-year-old had to abandon the Giro.
The Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay made history: The youngster was the first African to win a stage of the Giro d’Italia. In addition, it was also the first day victory of an Eritrean in a Grand Tour.
In a tight final on Tuesday, he beat Mathieu van der Poel on the tenth stage of the Tour of Italy and was the first driver to cross the finish line. The Belgian congratulated Girmay fairly after the intense duel.
At the award ceremony, he made his fatal mishap. The professional cyclist removed the cover from the champagne and bent over the bottle in such a way that the cork flew into his left eye with full force when he opened it.
Girmay tried to ignore the pain and tried to cool down with champagne before being taken to the nearest ambulance. After brief treatment, the historic stage winner was taken to hospital.
After accident: Girmay has to cancel Giro
Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert, the Eritrean’s team, initially did not want to comment. In the evening, however, Girmay was at least able to leave the hospital. The team then took to Twitter to celebrate the return of the “hero,” as Girmay was described. Together with his teammates, he toasted his stage win.
On Wednesday, however, the professional cyclist had to announce on Twitter: “Unfortunately I can’t compete today. I need a little break so that my eyes can find their old strength.”
Team doctor Piet Daneels had previously commented to “Eurosport” that the 22-year-old was “doing much better”. However, it will only be decided after further examinations whether he can continue.