OFFICIAL: Biniam Girmay signs deal and becomes star of the 'new' NSN Cycling Team

The news has finally been made official. After months of waiting, Biniam Girmay has ended his contract with Intermarché - Wanty and has signed with NSN Cycling Team, the new Swiss outfit born out of the former Israel - Premier Tech structure.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Biniam to the NSN Cycling Team. 2026 will not only mark a new chapter for the team, but also for Biniam, and I can’t imagine a better time to begin this new stage together,” team manager Kjell Carlström when announcing the signing. The signing was supposedly reached in early September, back when Israel - Premier Tech were facing intense protests at the Vuelta a España.

There were obstacles to the confirmation of this news, as the Intermarché-Lotto merger tried to keep their rider (who was signed until 2028), but Lotto's license was the one that will be used from now on, effectively leaving Intermarché's contracts in a grey zone. Then IPT's rebranding also might have delayed the announcement, which was only confirmed after the team became 'NSN'.

The general manager highlighted the Eritrean rider’s personal and sporting profile as an ideal combination for the project. “Biniam embodies everything we love about cycling. His talent is evident, but his humility and determination are what make him an extraordinary cyclist. From our first conversation, it was clear that he shares our vision both on and off the bike, and I have no doubt that he will fit in perfectly and be one of the team’s leaders, inspiring our riders and the entire cycling community.”

Girmay was part of the Belgian structure since 2021, and is where he achieved most of his success: Gent Wevelgem, Giro d'Italia stage win, Tour de France victories and green jersey... This is now a new chapter in the Eritrean's career with a team that is promoting to World Tour.

“I’m very happy to be here, especially with a new atmosphere and a fresh start, both for myself and the team. As a rider, I always like to have a good environment, especially within the team, and I’ve already heard many positive things from my new teammates. When I look at the team’s last two years, it has improved tremendously. There’s a really great team spirit,” he explained.

The Eritrean also emphasized his desire to integrate into the lead-out train, one of the team’s strengths. “Looking at the team’s lead-out train, they were always very strong, especially in how they stayed together and motivated each other. I often heard them during races encouraging each other so much, so I’m really looking forward to working together. I see a great opportunity with NSN Cycling Team and I feel it’s the best thing for my future.”

The 25-year old is ambitious and has good reason to be taking into consideration the quality that he has shown and his age. “To be honest, I never look back at what I’ve achieved. I always look to the future. I always care about what the next step is. What’s done is done, so I don’t want to look back or be complacent. I always want to do more. My main goal for the future, because I’m still only 25, is simple: to win races. I love winning classics, and so far, I’ve only won Gent-Wevelgem, so I still want to achieve more with the team. I believe that one day we can win one of cycling’s biggest races together.”

“In Eritrea, cycling is our culture; it’s in our blood. And as an African rider, I want to develop African cycling. This team has already done incredible things. I’m very happy to be part of a team with such a great project in Rwanda. For me and the team, it’s a perfect match: an African rider and a team that wants to promote cycling in Africa.”

He also emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for young African talent. “We need people who can provide opportunities, take riders to Europe, or give them the facilities they need. I will wholeheartedly support doing everything possible to take Eritrean cycling to the highest level, and that starts with initiatives like the team's Racing for Change project. I believe that if we create these opportunities, we will see more Eritrean and African riders in the biggest races.”