The return to success of Biniam Girmay, winner of the first stage of the Volta Comunitat Valenciana did not leave Cyril Pelérin indifferent. And who is he? For the Belgian, formerly responsible for public relations at Intermarchè-Wanty and now at Lotto-Intermarchè, everything related to "Bini-mania" is of interest, we can say that most of the views of his engaging and imaginative posts over time come from Eritrea, from the team that previously hosted the current NSN Cycling Team rider.

One more reason to let Cyril accompany us, a skilled digital expert, like a kind of genius loci, into the phenomenon of Eritrean cycling, solid at the top of the African nations ranking.

Why so involved?

"I worked for five years alongside Biniam Girmay and immediately understood how special he was, I believed in his immense potential as a rider capable of winning the Tour de France, making history like his compatriot Daniel Teklehaimanot".

And so, in a World Tour world where English is the base language, Cyril decided to learn the "Tigrinya" language, to further savor the rich two-wheel tradition in this country.

"We're talking about a leading nation in the continent. There are male and female cyclists capable of competing at the highest levels, Girmay has shown how Eritrean riders can excel, and by speaking their language, I feel I can support creating opportunities for a new generation of athletes from Eritrea".

A rhetorical question: did they appreciate him studying Tigrinya?

"I learned it also to dialogue with the fans who followed Bini incredibly. At every race, in every part of the world, their flags appear and it's a big celebration. It's unconditional love, in good and less happy moments, a source of pride and energy. I will never forget when at the 2024 Tour Girmay won the green jersey, with scenes of euphoria around him. A story that will forever connect me to these people and not just the champion".

Now Bini and his brother Mewael (two years at Wanty Nippo Reuz) are settled elsewhere.

"The friendship remains and my support for Eritrean cycling continues, motivating me more and more. I will always be a Girmay fan and it's important to put the new generation of Eritreans in the best conditions, considering pure talents like Nahom Zeray and Milkias Maekele. On the female side, I'm very proud that Monalisa Araya has reached the World Tour development team of Canyon. She follows in the footsteps of Mossana Debesay and Desiet Kidane (who died in 2021), who showed how this nation is a forge of excellent cyclists. When they have opportunities, they can compete at the highest levels".

So, does Cyril really believe an African rider can win the general classification of major races in the medium term?

"Yes, it's possible. I believe Eritrea can produce an absolute champion of this nature within 5 or 10 years maximum. South Africa has already proposed very competitive cyclists like Louis Mentjies, with whom at Intermarchè-Wanty we achieved great things in grand tours. I'm sure this is just the beginning, I say bet on Nahom Zeray or Birkti Fessehaye".

Moreover, at Wanty, the propensity towards African cycling led Rein Taaramäe to help a Rwandan team, Rafiki Bike: "We also have a lot of clothing and equipment from Intermarchè-Wanty in Eritrea, just show up every Sunday at a race near Asmara. Many riders are seen wearing Intermarchè-Wanty jerseys and not only that: some also ride Cube bicycles. Personally, I'm very proud of this".