Eritrean Biniam Girmay capped a successful season, and has won the African Cyclist award for the second successive year.
The award for African cyclist of the year was created ten years ago by the organizers of the Tropicale Amissa Bongo, the aim is to encourage the development of African cycling by rewarding the rider of the continent who achieved the best performances of the season.
As in 2020 Biniam Girmay who rides for Intermarché Wanty was selected by a clear majority by the jury chaired by five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault under the patronage of Thomas Voeckler and made up of twenty-five members African riders, coaches and managers, organizers of cycling events on the continent as well as specialized journalists, African and European, who follow all the cycling races in Africa.
Bernard Hinault the President of the Jury explained that Biniam confirmed again this year that he is the most promising rider of African cycling.
“ His performance at the world championship was not achieved by accident. The best riders of his generation were present in Leuven and he finished 2nd. Fantastic! This is a well-deserved recognition.” He added.
The Eritrean owes this distinction to his magnificent 2nd place in the U23 World Championship in Leuven, Belgium. Never before has an African rider achieved such a performance.
According to the ranking, South Africa’s Ryan Gibbons who rides for UAE Team finished second ahead of Eritrean Merhawi Kudus (Astana), Henok Muluebrhan (Eritrea – Qhubeka) and Louis Meintjes (South Africa – Intermarché-Wanty) respectively.
South African rider Daryl Impey won the award in 2019, while Joseph ARERUYA (Rwanda) won it in 2018.
