Biniam Girmay sprinted to an emphatic victory on the opening stage of Volta Comunitatd Valenciana in his first race in NSN Cycling Team colors. Girmay managed to edge out Arne Marit (Red Bull) for the stage win. After more than a year without a victory, it was a huge win for the 25-year-old Eritrean. He will wear the yellow jersey in Thursday’s 17.5 kilometer ITT.
“It took me more than a year to get a victory. Last year I was second many times, and that was not enough. I’m super happy, I’m motivated, and I’m happy to be back and to get the confidence back. I had the yellow jersey and, if I remember correctly, this is the second yellow jersey I will wear in my career.
This win is thanks to my teammates, that’s why I came to this team. We have a strong group, everybody is super motivated. They did a perfect job to the last kilometer - this victory is for them, and I hope to continue like this.”
-Biniam Girmay
“For Bin especially, after so many second places last season, this is a big relief. Winning his first race of the year gives him and the whole team a lot of motivation. The guy deserves it; they worked incredibly hard in the lead-up to this race, and this result is a reward for that. It’s the perfect way to start the season.”
-Dimitri Claeys. Sports Director.
Look back…
1985 Etoile de Besseges
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