Biniam Girmay pips Primož Roglič to the post at Saitama Criterium

Tour de France sprint king heads up phalanx of WorldTour stars to take the victory in Japan

Biniam Girmay wins 2024 Saitama Criterium
(Image credit: Getty Images / Rhode Van Elsen)

Biniam Girmay sprinted to victory in the Saitama Criterium in Japan on Saturday afternoon, after a late solo escape by Primož Roglič was brought to heel just before the line.

The annual event, held on the streets of Saitama on the fringes of Tokyo, showcased a host of Tour de France stars, including Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) and Ben O'Connor (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale), and Roglič.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

James Shrubsall

After cutting his teeth on local and national newspapers, James began at Cycling Weekly as a sub-editor in 2000 when the current office was literally all fields.

Eventually becoming chief sub-editor, in 2016 he switched to the job of full-time writer, and covers news, racing and features.

A lifelong cyclist and cycling fan, James's racing days (and most of his fitness) are now behind him. But he still rides regularly, both on the road and on the gravelly stuff.