A new chance, thanks to Andrés Iniesta: NSN Cycling Team presents new star Biniam Girmay and main targets for 2026

After losing its main sponsors and its Israeli identity, NSN Cycling Team has risen from the ashes. With new backers, new leaders and a renewed sense of direction, the squad has been handed a second chance at the highest level of professional cycling - thanks in part to Andrés Iniesta. Superstar Biniam Girmay will be the rider expected to carry the team forward.

NSN is a company specialising in sport and entertainment. It was founded in 2018 by former footballer Iniesta, the man who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. After stepping away from football and shifting deeper into the entertainment industry, he is now embarking on a new adventure in cycling by sponsoring a WorldTour team.

It may not seem the most obvious move, Iniesta entering the cycling world. But as he explained at the kit and season presentation in Barcelona, the choice is personal. "Cycling has always been a passion of mine, alongside football," he says at the presentation of the kit and goals in Barcelona. "I’m delighted to be experiencing it from the inside now. This is a very important step for NSN on every level. We’re excited and motivated, and we can’t wait to enjoy the journey ahead."

General manager Kjell Carlström believes the team has a major opportunity on its hands. "Welcoming NSN and Stoneweg, new bike supplier SCOTT, and continuing the journey with Ekoï and other key sponsors has put us in an excellent position to really hit the ground running. The arrival of Biniam Girmay is especially exciting and you can see the cohesion and determination among the rider group."

With several key riders departing - including Derek Gee and Matthew Riccitello - the team will have to change the way it races. "The focus will be on an opportunistic racing style throughout the season. We’ll focus heavily on sprint races, but I also believe we can achieve strong results in stage races and Grand Tours by hunting for stages.”

With that new style of racing in mind, Girmay is the perfect leader for the team. "It’s so nice to be part of this project," said the Eritrean, who arrived Intermarché-Wanty. " am really looking forward to this season – I think this team can help me to improve and return to the biggest races and win. They believe in me, and I believe in the team."

"I chose this team because I want to win every race I can. This team gives me the support I need to do this." Girmay also has a more personal motivation for joining NSN. “It’s a perfect combination, considering the projects they have in Africa. I want to perform at the highest level for African cycling and show what’s possible for the people back home.”