As we go into the month of November, one of cycling’s most popular riders and successful sprinters Biniam Girmay still does not have a publicly announced contract for the 2026 season. This isn’t because no-one has offered him a deal, but seemingly because the Intermarché-Wanty – Lotto merger seems to have created a situation where the reported deal he reached may have been jeopardized.
Girmay has had an outstanding 2024 season where after two seasons of building up a palmarès and popularity, he reached the absolute peak of his career until that time, winning three stages and the green jersey in a Tour de France where he was one of the absolute headliners. He had signed a new deal with Intermarché, being their absolute leader and most well payed rider, but with the team linking up with Lotto this winter, things were no longer in the clear.
His contract, lasting until 2028, was suddenly not necessarily valid as the merger team will continue under Lotto’s license, and several riders from both teams are being left without a contract whilst it’s not fully clear whether riders from both were able to sign for other teams. It was believed that this was the case but according to Cyclingnews it is possible that the UCI is blocking out Girmay’s exit to the team.
Over month and a half ago already, Girmay’s agent Alex Carera (manager of other riders such as Tadej Pogacar, Cian Uijtdebroeks, Jasper Philipsen, etc.) had confirmed that a deal had been reached for next season. No more details have been announced. It had been reported that this was with Israel – Premier Tech, but it could’ve possibly been delayed due to the team’s issues at the Vuelta a España. However ever since, the team has dropped its sponsor, owner and has announced several signings and renewals since the end of the collaboration with Israel. Girmay has not been announced. It is not known whether he will or not at this point and we may only learn this in November when the merger can be officially confirmed – and then depending on what may happen from there onwards.