Girmay gatecrashes 'father' Cavendish tilt at Tour history

English Woman's Journal - Girmay gatecrashes 'father' Cavendish tilt at Tour history

SPORTS 01.07.2024

Girmay gatecrashes 'father' Cavendish tilt at Tour history / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP

With all eyes on Mark Cavendish's chase for a historic Tour de France stage win on Monday, Biniam Girmay instead wrote Eritrea into the record books.

Change text size:

When the 24-year-old "closed my eyes and went for it" to win the mass sprint in Turin the Briton, one of the world's most famous bike racers, was nowhere near the closing action.

But the modest winner was swift to send wishes to the older man.

"I've known him for a long time," Girmay said.

"We raced a lot together in Belgium and I saw him here he said to me 'Hey kid don't beat your father, I'm almost old enough to be your dad you know'."

Girmay described himself as the "first Black African to win at the Tour", and dedicated the win to the whole continent.

Cavendish appeared delighted for Girmay.

"That's massive, for him, for the Tour, for Africa," said the often prickly sprinter.

"He's a legend now isn't he," the 39-year-old added.

Fortunately for Africa, Eritrea and Girmay the stage not only started early on Monday, but finished faster than expected.

Half an hour later torrential rain fell on Turin with lightning blasting through the skies.

Cavendish has been level on 34 Tour de France stage wins with all-time great Eddy Merckx since the Manxman's last victory when he sped over the line arms aloft at Carcassonne in 2021.

It was his fourth win on that edition racing for Quick Step after years in the wilderness suffering from Epstein Barr virus.

St.Ch.Russell--EWJ

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

English Woman's Journal - Girmay gatecrashes 'father' Cavendish tilt at Tour history