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Biniam Girmay Departs intermarché-Wanty: A Historic Partnership Concludes
October 26, 2023
A meaningful era in professional cycling has drawn to a close.Intermarché-Wanty has officially announced the departure of their star rider, Biniam Girmay, marking the end of a highly triumphant and groundbreaking collaboration. The team released a poignant video to commemorate Girmay’s exit as they navigate their merger with the Lotto group.
A Legacy of Firsts
Girmay’s next professional destination remains undisclosed, but his impact on the Belgian squad is undeniable. “Biniam Girmay’s exceptional adventure with Intermarché-Wanty is coming to an end after four and a half years of remarkable success,” the team stated in a press release, underscoring the significance of their partnership.
Reflecting on his time with the team, girmay shared, What I liked most about this training is that everyone behaves like a friend or a family member.
This sentiment was visibly echoed in the team’s farewell video, which showcased shared moments of triumph and camaraderie between Girmay and his teammates and management.
The 25-year-old Eritrean rider etched his name in cycling history during his tenure. In 2022, he achieved a monumental victory at the Ghent-Wevelgem classic, becoming the first Black rider to win a major one-day race. He further cemented his legacy by securing three stages in the 2024 Tour de France, again as the first Black rider to accomplish such a feat. Across five seasons with Intermarché, Girmay amassed twelve victories and nearly forty podium finishes, a testament to his consistent performance and growing influence in the sport.
The team’s press release summarized the impact of their collaboration: Biniam Girmay and Intermarché-Wanty thus conclude a collaboration of unprecedented impact.
A New Chapter Dawns
While Girmay was under contract with Intermarché-Wanty until 2028, he has been granted permission to seek new opportunities. This move comes as the planned merger between Intermarché and Lotto is experiencing unforeseen delays. In recent months, Girmay has been strongly linked with the Israel Premier Tech team, which has recently undergone a rebranding, name change, and nationality shift to become NSN cycling Team. This rebranding followed pro-Palestinian demonstrations that targeted the Israeli team amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Looking ahead, Girmay expressed his anticipation for the future: We have accomplished great things and shown what is absolutely possible when everyone is on the same wavelength (…) Now it is indeed time to open a new chapter.
What This Means for U.S. Cycling Fans
The departure of a rider like Biniam Girmay, who has broken significant barriers and achieved historic wins, is always a major talking point for cycling enthusiasts. For U.S. fans, who have seen a growing interest in professional cycling, Girmay’s journey represents the increasing diversity and global reach of the
