Biniam Girmay is trying to leave Intermarché-Lotto, the team that is set to be officially announced soon and with the new names to be revealed as well. The Eritrean has for the first time spoken this openly about the topic with the media at the Tour de France Singapore Criterium where he is one of the stars, and where he confirms it is almost certain that his contract will be broken for him to join a new venture.
“In the last two years, we improved so much and we’ve already shown we’re capable of winning the big races. This year it’s really pissed me off because we’ve lost the money, we don’t have that much budget to buy riders, and to keep the good guys we have,” Girmay said quite openly to Cyclingnews. “So it’s not the best year because of this kind of situation.”
The Belgian team, despite the modest lineup, has had financial trouble this year and the merger was even put at risk due to the money that the debt that the team had collected, which amounted to over two million. With no noteworthy results taken out of the year – Intermarché won four races, none at World Tour or .Pro level, it was simply a bad season, saved by the fact that the a World Tour maintenance was already virtually assured due to the points scored in previous years.
However that would matter little in the end, as the two Belgian teams would go on to merge, although Lotto‘s license will be taken and that will also be the case with most of the riders and staff. A lot of the Intermarché team will have a new path in the sport. But the merger itself has been followed by lots of drama, controversial decisions, lack of communication and agreements with riders who would then not be offered a contract – as was the case with Tom Paquot, for example.50-50 to stay? Not anymore…
As for Girmay, at first there had been a rumour he could join UAE Team Emirates – XRG, but with great certainty he will be joining Israel – Premier Tech which is being promoted to World Tour level and having a sponsor overhaul this winter.
“Obviously, it’s not the right time to speak because we don’t decide personally. Of course, the merger is already happening, and tomorrow they will announce the guys who will personally stay,” Girmay reveals. “Before, I was 50-50 if I stay or not; now I’m almost quite sure I will not stay.”
As to his destination, he keeps it private, but also rather open that it could be to different teams. “We are still talking with some good teams, but it’s just talk because I cannot do anything without knowing what my team and also without knowing if I am free or not. Nothing is done yet, nothing is on paper.”