Biniam Girmay and 3 Eritrean teammates denied visa to the road worlds

Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay has pulled out of the cycling world championships in Scotland, with conflicting reports as to the reason. His team initially claimed it was due to injury, shortly after news emerged that he and three of his teammates had been refused visas for entry into the U.K.

Girmay considered one of favourites for rainbow jersey

Girmay, 23, made history last year by becoming the first Black African to claim a stage victory at the Giro d’Italia, and was considered as a potential contender to become Africa’s first world champion in the men’s road race on Sunday. His team, Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, issued a statement on Wednesday morning explaining that he wouldn’t be able to compete following a crash he suffered during the San Sebastian event over the past weekend.

Biniam Girmay makes history at Giro: first Black African rider to win a stage of Grand Tour

“I’m of course very disappointed to withdraw from the selection for the world championships, which were a main goal for this season since last winter,” Girmay said. “I had a good feeling after the Tour de France, but my crash in the Clasica San Sebastian caused too severe pfaain to be able to defend my chances in the worlds.”

Visas rejected for four riders

The announcement was made after GCN reported that Girmay and his teammates Natnael Tesfatsion, Merhawi Kudus, and Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier had all encountered visa rejections.

Kudus retweeted the GCN article and commented “It’s truly unfortunate!” while tagging the UCI.

Sad!! @UCI_cycling @CyclingWorlds https://t.co/nsi4gFgvZD

— Merhawi Kudus (@MeraKudus) August 2, 2023

According to report in the Scottish outlet, The National, the advocacy group Africa Rising Cycling posted about it on Twitter. “To confirm, we have just spoken with one of the riders affected, and the story is true,” the tweet read. “All four (currently) do not have visas to race on Sunday. Let’s hope UK gov sees sense. These are all professional, top level athletes.”

The organization then added, “Shame on the UK for denying these professional top level athletes access to the very top stage of our sport.”