This Monday 6th of May, Biniam Girmay finished on the podium of the third stage of the Giro d’Italia, which was the first opportunity for the sprinters in this 107th edition of the race.
Team Intermarché-Wanty took responsibility for its leader by being present at every key moment in the 160 kilometer stage from Novara to Fossano.
First, the team benefited from armistice in the peloton in the first race half to cross the top of the climb to Lu first with Lilian Calmejane, who climbed to third place in the mountains classification after this only categorised climb of the day.
The whole team then united around Girmay in the approach towards the first intermediate sprint halfway through the stage. Accompanied by Adrien Petit and Madis Mihkels, Girmay scored four points and then continued his effort to form a breakaway of 25 riders including his two teammates.
The trio from the Walloon World Team led the race until the final 40 kilometers, when the peloton came back and started the preparation for the final in Fossano.
With the support of Dion Smith and Madis Mihkels, Girmay was able to maintain his position in the front of the peloton in the difficult final kilometers and sprint for the victory. From the slipstream of winner Tim Merlier, Girmay sprinted alongside the barriers on the right side to third place.
It was the Eritrean rider’s fourth podium in a Grand Tour, and his third in the Giro. In the classification for the cyclamen jersey he is provisionally fourth, with 31 points.
Biniam Girmay:
“Right from the start, my teammates protected me well in the front of the peloton and then guided me to the first intermediate sprint. When the peloton split, we were represented with four riders in the first group. With Madis Mihkels and Adrien Petit, I had two riders of my sprint train on my side, so it was an ideal situation for us. We really enjoyed racing in the breakaway. When the peloton came back, we continued to demonstrate our collective strength by maintaining a good position in the front of the peloton. Together, just like we planned, we managed to start the final climb among the first ten riders. When Tadej Pogacar attacks you know it’s going to be difficult for everyone, as usual. The final preparation for the sprint was man against man. I was behind Jonathan Milan, but when I saw the sprint was launched on the right side with more speed against the headwind, I changes into the slipstream of Tim Merlier. The line came a little too early for me, but I’m happy with the result. Achieving a podium on the first sprint opportunity is nice. I’m looking forward to the next two stages, or even three.”
Stage 3:
1.Tim Merlier 3:54:35
2.Jonathan Milan
3.Biniam Girmay
general classification:
1.Tadej Pogacar
2.Geraint Thomas +0:46
3.Daniel Felipe Martinez +0:47
