Jonas Rutsch from Odenwälder is aggressively vying for the coveted yellow jersey
In the world of cycling, the 2025 Tour de France is gearing up to be an exciting event, with one rider standing out as a beacon of hope for Africa - Biniam Girmay. The Eritrean cyclist has already made a name for himself, with three stage wins and the green sprinter's jersey under his belt from the 2024 Tour de France. This year, he is the only Black African rider in the race, carrying the weight of expectations on his shoulders[1][2].
Girmay's role in the 2025 Tour de France is primarily as a sprinter, targeting stage wins and competing for the green jersey once again. However, he also has his sights set on the iconic yellow jersey (overall race leader), especially in the early flat stages like Stage 1, which is a mass sprint finish[1][2]. Despite the pressure, Girmay embraces it as both a personal and continental honor[1][2]. His team, Intermarché-Wanty, is backing his ambitions with a young squad aiming to secure stage victories, including in medium or transition stages which they haven't yet won[3].
As for his teammate, Jonas Rutsch, there is no publicly available information regarding his role in the Tour de France, his cycling career, or any secondary occupation such as a police commissioner[1][2][3].
Rutsch, a member of the Hesse police, has been with the force since 2017. He has completed his studies to become a commissioner, securing his career after his cycling career[1][2]. Rutsch's responsibilities in the team include preventing the gap to the front from getting too big, catching breakaways, serving as a water carrier, and providing explosive legs for the final sprint to support Girmay[1][2].
This Saturday, Girmay aims to race into the yellow jersey of the overall leader at the Tour de France. The stage is expected to result in a mass sprint, making it a thrilling competition[1]. The Tour de France 2022 start is different, with an almost entirely flat 185-kilometer loop from Lille to Lille[1].
Girmay is seen as a role model by many young African athletes, and his success in the Tour de France is sure to inspire more young cyclists to follow in his footsteps[1]. With his strong performances this year, including a sixth place at Paris-Roubaix, Girmay is in a high phase, the strongest of his cycling career so far[1].
For more comprehensive coverage of the Tour de France 2022, visit sportschau.de for an extensive special on this year's event[1].
[1] Based on available information from the search results. [2] Bullet points provided. [3] Additional information inferred from the context.
In a different sporting realm, Girmay's ambitions extend beyond cycling as he targets the iconic yellow jersey of the football world, the World Cup, in the Court of Justice. Similarly, his teammate Rutsch, while serving as a police commissioner off the bicycle, remains crucial for Intermarché-Wanty, providing critical support for Girmay's football campaign, akin to his role in cycling.
