Eritrea's Biniam Girmay has become a national icon in his cycling-enthusiastic country, notably as the first black African to win a stage in the Tour de France. At just 24 years old, he has not only captured the hearts of his fellow citizens but also earned the title of "African King" by securing the prestigious green jersey earlier this year. Girmay's remarkable achievements have sparked a wave of inspiration among aspiring cyclists in Eritrea, encouraging a new generation to pursue their dreams in the sport.
Among those inspired by Girmay is 17-year-old Keven Teklemariam, who expressed his determination to go beyond what Girmay has accomplished. Speaking to BBC Tigrinya, Teklemariam shared his ambition, stating, "My goal is not to repeat what Biniam did. I aim to surpass it." His mindset reflects a growing trend among young Eritrean cyclists who are eager to follow in Girmay's footsteps while striving to carve out their own paths in the competitive world of cycling.
Teklemariam has already begun making a name for himself, demonstrating his talent at the recent African Road Cycling Championships in Eldoret, Kenya. He contributed to Eritrea's impressive tally of seven gold medals by winning two events and stood out as the only rider to achieve victories in multiple races at the championship.
His performance closely mirrored Girmay's significant achievement at the 2018 African Championships in Rwanda, where Girmay secured three gold medals in junior categories, further solidifying his legacy as a source of inspiration for the next generation of Eritrean cyclists.
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