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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport

Girmay becomes first African to claim Ghent-Wevelgem cycle race

Biniam Girmay from Eritrea became the first African to win the Gent-Wevelgem cycling race in its 84-year history. The Intermarché Wanty Gobert Materiaux rider finished the 254-kilometre course in five hours and 38 minutes. AP - Olivier Matthys

Biniam Girmay was on Monday preparing to return home to Eritrea to celebrate his 22nd birthday and soak up the adulation of becoming the first rider from a sub-Saharan African country to triumph at one of cycling's classic races.

He won a thrilling sprint finish to claim the Ghent-Wevelgem course ahead of the Frenchman Christophe Laporte.

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