Bini at the Tour de France
The first was a longtime dream made a reality in Turin; the second was a statement win in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises and his third in Villeneuve-sur-lot was a coming-of-age victory. For many, achieving such feats in the world’s most prestigious cycling competition, the Tour de France is the culmination of a long career. Bini, on the other hand, has accomplished this remarkable trilogy in just 12 days, during only his second appearance at the Tour.
This is a seismic shift in the world of professional cycling unfolding right before our own very eyes. Bini is not merely winning stages; he is captivating the imagination of millions who had yearned to see African stage winners in the Tour de France, who share the Continent’s heritage and embody its dreams. Bini is a powerful statement against the backdrop of a sport that has often been seen as exclusive and inaccessible to many.
“I’m the only Black rider in the peloton and that’s not nice, to be honest.” Said Bini in an interview with Alasdair Fotheringham.
Not content to rest on his laurels, the crescendo of his performance comes with a third-stage victory. As they approached the finish line, Bini surged ahead, claiming his third stage victory in this Tour. Wout van Aert, Michael Matthews, and Arnaud Demare were all in close contention, but it was Bini who crossed the line, in doing so, he extended his lead in the point classification for the Green jersey to a staggering 328 points.
Stage 12 was a perfectly curated plan by his team, followed to the tee. The plan was for me to be more protected in the last 5 km and then to get a good lead out. Mike did a super good lead out in the last kilometer and dropped me off 200 meters from the line.” Bini stated in his post-race interview.
These victories are deeply personal for Bini, yet they transcend the individual. They are also victories for a team with the smallest budget in the Tour de France. Beyond that, the profound impact of representation illuminates the path for future generations of African cyclists who now know that they too can rise to the pinnacle of the sport.
“I’m just super happy to show and deliver it so that cycling can be more global.” Stated Bini when asked if he was comfortable with the huge impact, he was having as a rider.
Bini undoubtedly has a very long career ahead of him-he is only 24, after all-but his legacy is already etched into the fabric of cycling history.
Bini’s breakthrough in a sport that has long remained untouched by the diversity he represents, is the embodiment of nature’s wild and unpredictable beauty, breaking through the rigid structures of a sport steeped in history and convention. In his triumphs, there is a romantic defiance, a bold assertion of independence against the collective expectations of conformity.
This year’s Tour de France is not over yet, and certainly, Bini is not done yet.
This will be remembered for generations to come. There will be books written about it, soliloquies penned, and movies made about Biniam’s achievements. He has transcended the boundaries of a predominantly white sport and has shattered long-standing barriers. After a 111-year wait for a black African to win a stage at the Tour de France, Bini has so far won three. Yes, three!!!! This is only the beginning. This is his time!
