Everything was given to make it the best day of his sporting career, but the first victory for an African cyclist in the prestigious Italy is spinning this is my worst nightmare Biniam Girmay. It was that the 22-year-old Eritrean runner neglected himself during the champagne cap-uncovering ritual for the celebration, the cork hit his left eye and he ended up in the hospital.

A few hours later, with a park in the affected area, he was able to return to the concentration of his team Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert, from Belgium, although it was only this Wednesday morning that he would decide whether to continue with the competition.

Beyond the incredible scenario, Biniam Girmay is enjoying a landmark season, putting the African cycling center stage. The young runner defeated none other than Mathieu van der Poel – one of the best packaging specialists – in a short sprint to lead the 196 -kilometer route between the cities of Pescara and Jesi, mostly flat along the Adriatic coast.

“I know I’m making history, but I have to thank my team and my family”Said Girmay. “Every day we write a new story, and I’m grateful to them.”.

But all that joy and feeling was the opposite of what happened after a while: Girmay had to be transferred to a hospital. injured in the eye impact of the champagne cork he removed while celebrating on the podium.

In March, Girmay made history by becoming the first rider from the sub-Saharan country to win a day classic by winning at Ghent-Wevelgem.

Nothing has changed in the overall classification after reaching the half point of the Italian competition which lasts three weeks. The Spanish Juan Pedro Lopez remains in the lead, with a difference of 12 seconds about portuguese Joao Almeida. The French Romain Bardet running third, 14 seconds behind. The Ecuadorian Richard Carapazthe 2019 Giro champion, was fourth, 15 seconds behind.

The Giro will end on May 29 in Verona.

With AP information.