Trailblazing Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay will compete for the NSN Cycling Team for the next three seasons, the outfit formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech said Monday.
Girmay previously rode for four years with Belgian team Intermarché-Wanty, becoming the first Black African to win a Grand Tour stage at the 2022 Giro d’Italia.
Last year, the 25-year-old made history again by clinching the Tour de France’s green jersey, awarded to the top sprinter, after three stage wins.
Biniam Girmay Joins NSN For A “New Beginning”
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Biniam to NSN Cycling Team. 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,” said NSN General Manager Kjell Carlström.
Girmay welcomed “a new beginning” and the chance to progress with a team whose riders “have improved so much over the last two years.” He also cited their commitment to growing the sport in Africa.
“In Eritrea, cycling is our culture — it’s in our blood. And as an African rider, I want to develop African cycling,” continued Girmay. “For me and the team, it’s a nice combination — an African rider and a team that wants to develop cycling in Africa.”
NSN Replaces Israel-Premier Tech With Swiss License
NSN (short for “Never Say Never”) is replacing Israel-Premier Tech, which had become the focus of pro-Palestinian protesters at road races this year.
The new team will race under a Swiss license and be based in Spain, in Barcelona and Girona.
Among the co-founders of NSN is former Barcelona and Spain football star Andrés Iniesta.