Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay has secured the prestigious title of ‘Best African Cycling Rider’ for 2025 at the Africa Cycling Excellence Awards, held in Kigali.
This latest accolade marks the fifth time Girmay has received this honor, having previously claimed the award in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The repeated recognition solidifies Girmay’s standing as the pre-eminent force in African cycling, underscoring a sustained period of exceptional performance and leadership within the sport.
Girmay received the prize despite a very disappointing season in which he did not manage to win a single race. There were very high expectations surrounding the 25-year old after an impressive 2024 season in which he won three times at the Tour de France, but his level was very far from that.
Despite a solid start of the season in which he was close to winning in Portugal and Spain, he faded away during the spring classics. He seemed to recover his best form in May, as he finished in second place four times, but he couldn’t keep it until the Tour, where his only good performance was the first stage (finishing second once again).
His success at the highest levels of international competition continues to inspire a new generation of cyclists across the continent and elevate the profile of African cycling on the global stage.
The Africa Cycling Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of cyclists and stakeholders who have significantly impacted the sport’s development and prestige across Africa.
