Benjamin Girmai left the Giro d’Italia before the start of the 11th stage on Wednesday after injuring his eye during the celebration of his historic victory on Tuesday.
Girma became the first black African to win the Grand Tour stage when he defeated Mathieu van der Poel in the sprint at Jesse, but his festivities were interrupted when he was struck in the eye by a cork from a bottle of prosecco, which he opened on the podium.
The 22-year-old spent several hours at a local hospital before being able to dine with his teammates at Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux, but as confirmed on Wednesday morning, his debut Grand Tour is over.
“Yesterday, when I arrived [at the hotel] after the hospital, a bad moment, I liked it with my teammates, with the staff, with everyone, ”Girma said in a video posted by the team. “Now I’m happy, I was a little sad because of what happened to the champagne, but when I came back they were very happy.
“But today, unfortunately, I didn’t start the race because anyway, my eye, I need a little rest to give my eye more strength. I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season. Thanks to everyone who supported me and encouraged me. Now I’m fine. Goodbye. “
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/18/biniam-girmay-pulls-out-of-giro-ditalia-after-injuring-eye-with-prosecco-cork-stage-11-cycling
