Days after it was announced he was leaving Intermarché-Wanty, Biniam Girmay has been revealed as an NSN Cycling rider.
The Eritrean joins the team formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech on a three-year deal, a press release on Monday morning said. He will be “a marquee rider ahead of a bold new era for the team”.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Biniam to NSN Cycling Team,” general manager Kjell Carlström said. “Not only will 2026 mark a new chapter for the team, but it also represents one for Biniam and I couldn’t think of a better time to embark on a new chapter together.
Girmay himself said: “I’m really happy to be here, especially with a new atmosphere and a new beginning, for me and for the team. As a rider, I always like to have a good environment, especially inside the team and I already heard a lot of positive things from my new teammates. When I look back at the last two years of the team, the team has improved so much. There is a really good team spirit.
“Looking at the team’s sprint train, they were always really strong, especially how they stayed together and motivated each other. I heard them many times during races, motivating 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 that this is the best thing for my future.”
The sprinter, a three-time Tour de France stage winner, had a contract with Intermarché-Wanty which ran until 2028, but amid the Lotto-Intermarché merger, has been allowed to leave.
However, Girmay said his eyes are on the future, not on what he has achieved in the past. “To be honest, I never look back at what I achieved. I always look to…