In a thrilling display of endurance and strategy, Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay secured his second stage victory in the Tour de France, triumphing in the eighth stage that spanned 183.4 kilometers from Semur-en-Auxois on Saturday. Girmay, who made history as the first Black African to win a Tour de France stage earlier in the race, showcased his prowess by perfectly timing his sprint to overtake Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen in the final stretch.
“Winning another stage is huge,” Girmay expressed with enthusiasm. “I did not feel great at the beginning of the stage because of the rain and cold, but my feelings improved during the day. I liked this slightly uphill finish because the heavier sprinters cannot really compete.”
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Intermarché-Wanty team, bringing them their second win in this year’s Tour. Belgium’s Arnaud De Lie secured third place, while Philipsen, despite a strong performance, continued to seek his first stage win of the race after four victories last year.
Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar maintained his position at the top of the general classification, retaining the coveted yellow jersey. As the peloton prepares for the daunting ninth stage, featuring 14 gravel sections around Troyes, Pogacar anticipates a challenging day ahead. “I checked it out and it’s an interesting stage where a lot of things can happen, I think it’s going to be chaotic,” he remarked.
Pogacar leads Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel by 33 seconds. Evenepoel, who excelled in Friday’s individual time trial, recognizes the perils of the upcoming stage. “I don’t think you can win the Tour on that stage, but you can definitely lose it,” he noted.
The upcoming terrain is familiar to Pogacar, who demonstrated his skill on similar roads by winning the Strade Bianche classic earlier this season. “I cannot wait to be there. It’s not the funniest stage, but I think I’m ready. I like this kind of stages,” he said with a confident smile.
The Tour de France continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with riders from diverse backgrounds achieving remarkable feats. Girmay’s victories not only highlight his personal talent but also inspire athletes across continents, including Asia, where cycling is growing in popularity. As the race progresses, fans eagerly await how these dynamic competitors will navigate the challenges ahead.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
