Aike Visbeek expects Biniam Girmay to deliver in Tour de France: "He can also challenge Mathieu van der Poel and co."

Girmay hasn’t managed to win since last year’s Tour, although he did finish second seven times. The Eritrean just couldn’t make that final click in the spring and hopes to set things right in the Tour de France. Just like last year, he prepared for the race in his home country, where he can train and sleep perfectly at altitude.

“The season hasn’t been perfect so far because I haven’t won yet. However, my form is the same as it was last season heading into the Tour, I think,” Girmay explained. “I followed the same preparation at altitude. I’m really looking forward to the Tour, where I hope to end this winless streak. The goal is to win a stage.”

On day one, there’s already an opportunity for the sprinters, which of course includes Girmay. “I see it as a great opportunity for the sprinters, but it’s also going to be very dangerous. If you crash, you can throw your plans for the next three weeks straight into the trash. Wearing the yellow jersey is a dream though, and I’ve worked hard to be in top form from the start.”

After that, there are several punchy stages lined up, where the African rider also wants to take his chance. He thinks the hilly stage to Boulogne-sur-Mer on day two suits him well. “I’d consider myself more of a favorite there than on day one. In Lille, all the sprinters will go for it, and if you look at the start list, there are a lot of them this year.”

“Sunday’s stage is a bigger opportunity for me. The profile is tough, and there are many riders who can handle it, but I really see it as a good chance,” said Girmay, who can also collect points for the green jersey there. “However, the first goal is to win a stage, and then the points classification will come naturally. We’ll take it day by day. If I can score points in those tougher stages as well, it’s possible.”

It won’t be very warm in the opening days, and Girmay thinks that's a pity. “One of the reasons I did so well last year was the heat. I feel good in those conditions, and it gives me an advantage over my competitors,” said the sprinter, who will have a lead-out train consisting of Jonas Rutsch, Roel van Sintmaartensdijk, Vito Braet, Hugo Page, and Laurenz Rex.