An end to all rumours: Biniam Girmay signs three-year contract with new team

It had been going around for some time, but since Monday morning we know for sure: Biniam Girmay will be racing for NSN Cycling Team next year. The team, the successor of Israel-Premier Tech, announced this on Monday morning. This brings an end to a long period of rumors and rumors.

The new NSN team, which stands for Never Say Never and was co-founded by former footballer Andres Iniesta, embarked on a new adventure. "We are proud to welcome NSN and Stoneweg to the team, and to announce our new name and identity: NSN Cycling Team," team manager Kjell Carlström announced.

Together with Stoneweg, a Swiss investment company, it secured the survival of the Israel-Premier Tech team in 2026. "The acquisition of the team license by NSN, and the subsequent role in its operations, provides an opportunity to welcome an investment from a leader in global sports and entertainment, leveraging their rich experience for the benefit of the team and our partners."

Even before the formation of NSN was made public, there were rumors of Girmay's arrival. In any case, the team already said goodbye to Pascal Ackermann, Michael Woods, (after a contract row) Derek Gee and Matthew Riccitello, while Chris Froome's future is extremely uncertain.

On the other side, it was a lot quieter. The team already attracted three riders. Lewis Askey, Ryan Mullen and Alessandro Pinarello already made the move to the "new" NSN formation. Now, after lengthy rumors, Girmay is also joining the team.

The rider from Eritrea previously announced that he was leaving Intermarché-Wanty, which will continue to exist as Lotto-Intermarché after the merger with Lotto. Before that, Girmay raced for the Belgian team for 4.5 years, during which he enjoyed immense successes. In last year's Tour de France, for example, he won three stages and the points classification.

At his new team, which announced him through a video on X, Girmay has signed a three-year contract, which means he is now under contract there until the end of 2028. "“I’m really happy to be here, especially with a new atmosphere and a new beginning, for me and for the team," the rider from Eritrea stated.

"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," Girmay continued. "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."

The sprinter added that he sees opportunities. "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."