Eritrean Binam Girmei retired today (Wednesday) from the Giro d'Italia before the start of Phase 11, after injuring his eye while celebrating his historic win on Tuesday.
Girmey became the first black African rider to win a Grand Tour stage, defeating Mathieu van der Paul in a sprint towards the finish line, but his celebrations were interrupted when he was hit in the eye by a champagne bottle stopper he opened while on the podium.
The 22-year-old rider spent several hours at a local hospital before being able to enjoy dinner with his Belgian team-mates Intermarsche-Vant-Guber Matriach, until the news came that he would not be making his Grand Tour debut.
"Yesterday when I got to the hotel after the hospital, I felt bad, I had some fun with my teammates, the riders, everyone," Girmey said in a video he posted, "I was a little sad about what happened with the champagne, but now I feel better."
Grimey continued: "Today, unfortunately, I did not start the race because still my eye is wrong, I need some rest to let the eye recover. I just look forward to the rest of the season. Thanks to everyone who supported me and pushed me. I'm fine now. See you soon." .
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