Before him, another Eritrean was also the first to wear one of the coloured jersey in the most famous cycling event in Tour de France.
Before these all the first African to get the highest ever result in international cycling event was an Ethiopian Guragie named Geremu Demboba in 1956 in Melborne, along with Zehaye Bahta, Mesfin Tesfaye.
For those who are obsessed by ethnicity, Cyclist Biniam Girmay is an Eritrean of Tigrayan parents. Biniam's father is a Tigrayan carpenter who lives in the southern part of Asmara around Gejeret, not far from Bar Jimma area, near Qeshi Kusmu's residence house. I grew up in the area and know it very well.
Ato Girmay, the carpenter, is originally from Adi Grat area, and Biniam's mother hails from Axum and Hamasien. His maternal grandmother, from Axum, was working in the textile factory in Asmara, the Baratollo Textile. This will make Biniam 3\4 Tigrayan, just like many cabinet members of the Eritrean government.
Not surprised, because if you scratch just two or three generations, many Eritreans and Tigrayans are mixed, as are Issaias Afewerki, Yemane Gebreab (deputy foreign minister),Yemane Gebremeskel (information Minister), Hagos Kisha (treasurer, finance), General Abraha Kassa (security chief).
Do you wonder then why many people are obsessed not only about ethnicity but also how deep they sink to the village and Kebelle level? It is pure ignorance and stupidity, because these days politics is measured by how far one can distance oneself from "others"or as some try to manufacture history by how close they are to the Saudi Arabian royal camel herders. You get the joke
