Green Benjamin Jeremy saw his phone explode: “Bfff the British, Ffff Benjamin Jeremy: “Ffff it’s Benjamin Jeremy:” :” :” :”

The Intermarché-Wanty press conference began with big boss Jean-François Borlart recalling the team’s miraculous rise.

“I started in 1974, 50 years ago, with a cycling club that trained many young people.”

“In 2001, I took over the club with some friends and we climbed the cycling ladder step by step.”

“In 2007 we were a continental team, in the third level. That was the beginning of our great adventure. In 2011 we were promoted to the second level on the continent.”

“2016 was an important page in our book with Enrico Gasparotto winning the Amstel Gold Race. Five years later we joined the WorldTour and competed in the Tour for the first time.”

“It’s been a long adventure, and thanks to Beniam and the whole team we’re able to make it a big party.”

Right in the middle of the table: Benyam Girmay, the man around whom everything revolves at Intermarché this round. He also spoke about the team’s rise that has coincided with his own steep ascent.

“I have worked extremely hard since I arrived in 2021 until now to become the best in the world. That has been accompanied by a lot of bad luck and downfalls, which means I can’t always be the best version of myself. But they have always kept believing in me.”

However, Germay himself is surprised to have already won two stages on the rest day and to have the green jersey. “I never expected to be able to win in the first week, because everyone will be at their best.”

A moment of hesitation from Jermay when asked if he was the best runner on the tour. However, it is remarkable that with his physique he can dismantle all those quick bombs.

“I have always loved running since I was young. When I went to school, the running distance was very long. If you saw me, you would already say that I am a climber. The advantage is that I suffer less in the mountains.”

The bridge with its African roots is being built quickly. Jermaine doesn’t need to be reminded by journalists that he carries the expectations of an entire nation, even an entire continent. But he also shares in the immense joy.

“My phone exploded. I had to organize it differently or I wouldn’t be able to find the messages from my team leaders. I see a lot of passersby, on WhatsApp, Instagram, email, … Pfff … He also said a lot honestly.”

According to Girmay, the madness in Eritrea is easy to explain. “If a Belgian wins a stage, it’s almost normal. They knew Eddy Merckx. But this is unusual in Eritrea.”

“The pictures of the celebrations I see are very emotional. I think some are happier than I am.”

Jermay explains his cycling obsession with a story about the national championships. “This year, a million tickets were sold. They all left home, so they let the others pass.”

“A big stadium has been built next to the road where people can watch. It’s crazy, you can compare it to the Tour of Flanders. You see spectators everywhere.”

Jermaine almost chose a different career. “I was eight years old and wanted to play football mainly. But my father said, ‘No, it’s time to watch the tour.’”

“He pushed me into racing, and also bought me my first expensive bike. He still accompanies me to training and always supports me.”

Except during the tour itself. Why haven’t we seen his parents yet? “They should come sometime, but they’d rather stay home.”

“They usually watch TV with the whole family, but now they go to the cinema to watch with the fans. They find it incredible.”

“I think they will reach the final in Nice,” laughs Jermaine. “If I wear green, that is. If not, I don’t know yet.”