Boost for Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay as Belgian team secures sponsorship extension
Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay and his Intermarché-Wanty teammates have received a major boost after Belgian supermarket chain Intermarché extended its sponsorship of the team until at least 2028. The decision comes after Girmay’s standout performance at the 2024 Tour de France, where he won the green jersey and played a key role in securing Sh 15 million in prize money for the team. With the renewed backing, Girmay is now focused on making history at the 2025 Milan-San Remo
Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay and his Intermarché-Wanty teammates have received a boost in their preparations for this year’s competitions after Belgian supermarket chain Intermarché extended its sponsorship of the team until at least 2028, IDL Procycling reports.
Girmay put Intermarché-Wanty on the map last season by winning the green jersey at the 2024 Tour de France. His performances, including three stage victories, earned him Sh 11.4 million.
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Girmay’s wins at the 2024 Tour de France were the team’s only victories in Grand Tours that year. However, they played a crucial role in helping Intermarché-Wanty - originally founded in 1974 as an amateur team—accumulate Sh 15 million in prize money. This windfall placed the team fourth in prize earnings at the Tour, an achievement hailed as remarkable given that Intermarché-Wanty outperformed teams with significantly larger budgets.
Intermarché will remain the title sponsor of the Intermarché-Wanty cycling team. The supermarket chain has committed to supporting the Belgian team, which includes riders like Biniam Girmay and Taco van der Hoorn, until at least 2028.
— Asif Hussain (@AsifHus80321718) January 28, 2025
With their sponsorship now secured until 2028, Girmay and his teammates have the backing to aim for even greater success. They are set to compete in Grand Tours such as the Tour de France, Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix.
Already, Girmay has set his sights on winning the 2025 Milan-San Remo, an annual one-day race in northwest Italy. Covering 298 km, it is the longest professional one-day race in modern cycling. This year’s edition will take place on Sunday, March 23.
Girmay has competed in the last three editions of Milan-San Remo but has yet to break into the top 10. He finished 12th on his debut in 2022, dropped to 28th in 2023, and improved slightly to 27th in 2024.
Speaking to IDL Pro Cycling, Girmay reflected on last year’s performance and admitted he could have done better. However, he remains optimistic about his chances this year.
"Last year, it was a tough race. I rode my best wattages on the Poggio and never climbed faster, but the others proved better again. That's why I keep aiming for a better result," Girmay told IDL Pro Cycling.
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