While rumors of fusion between Intermarché-Wanty et Lotto are becoming more and more insistent, the question of runners who could compose this “super team” is legitimately. Inevitably, all the runners under contract in 2026 with one of the two Belgian teams cannot be preserved and certain runners could therefore be pushed towards the exit by their leaders. This is particularly the case with Biniam Girmay which, despite a current contract until 2028, is announced close to joining the team Israel Premier-Tech. Currently in Canada to compete in Grands Prix de Québec and Montréalthe Eritrean spoke on this subject during a press conference.
Video – Biniam Girmay … We won't see it too much at the GP in Montreal
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“It's the only chance of the year to be able to wear the national jersey”
“The news doesn't bother me. I still have a contract with my team (until the end of 2028, note) and it is not yet finished, so I will continue to focus on the races in which I will participate.” In the meantime, the green jersey of Tour de France 2024 prepares for the first World championships Contested on the African continent, in a few days in Rwanda: “It is the only chance of the year to be able to wear the national jersey and represent my country during a big international championship. I do not know what exactly my role will be. It will depend on the team's tactics. But maybe I can do a service to the team by slipping into the long breakaway. (Laughs) It has been a great time that I did not do it again.”
Beyond the simple sporting aspect, Biniam Girmay impatiently waits to see the influence that such an event could have on the continent : “Few African runners will be able to finish this race. It is the not delightful side of the event. But such a big event in Africa, I hope that it will have an impact on young people, especially in Rwanda where the bicycle is in full development. Compared to football or athletics which are very popular in Africa, the bicycle is still very late.”
