The Tour de France is the pinnacle of professional road cycling and a sport that is, at its core, a very European affair. For a rider to infiltrate cycling's elite ranks from nations outside Europe represents years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice, while often isolated from family and friends.

Biniam Girmay of Eritrea won the prestigious Gent Wevelgem classic on Sunday, becoming the first sub-Saharan cyclist to win a one-day classic.