When a Girmay wins, it's a big celebration in Eritrea. This time, it's Mewael who took the national under-23 time trial title, on the same day that Amanuel Ghebreigzabahier (fresh from renewing his contract with Lidl Trek) won the elite time trial, with another Eritrean based in Italy, Henok Mulubrhan (XDS Astana Team), finishing second.

In May, the young Girmay secured a top-ten finish, 8th, in the final stage of the Tour of Japan, an eighth place at the Sakai International Criterium, and fifth in the young riders' classification at the Tour de Kumano, all on Japanese roads.

In Asmara, the capital, Mewael Girmay brought bronze to his Wanty-Nippo-Reuz (though on this occasion wearing the colors of the world cycling center's UC), the youth branch of the World Tour team where his brother Biniam competes.

And the green jersey of the 2024 Tour de France? "Bini" is ready to fire up his supporters, whose presence is becoming increasingly affectionate and choreographic towards the sporting emblem of a nation deeply connected to two wheels. "I started cycling three years ago, following my brother's example (who in turn learned the basics from uncle Meron Teshome Hagos)," said Mewael Girmay, now 20 years old, upon his transfer to Belgium, fully recovering from a collarbone fracture.

Arriving at Wanty-Nippo Reuz-Technord alongside his compatriot Aklilu Arefayne, the new Eritrean champion has drawn interest for his qualities as a fast rider, suited to classics. Qualities that in Asmara, before coming to Europe, caught the eye of Rein Taaramäe, the experienced Estonian, an enthusiastic observer of African cycling. He was right on the money.