Biniam Girmay Signs with NSN Cycling, Backed by Iniesta
African cycling star Biniam Girmay joins NSN Cycling, the new team co-owned by football icon Andres Iniesta, aiming to boost African cycling on the world stage.
Biniam Girmay signs with NSN Cycling, a fresh project led by soccer legend Andres Iniesta.
The Eritrean rider confirmed a three-year contract with NSN Cycling after leaving Intermarché-Wanty Gobert, signaling a new chapter in his career.
New chapter for Girmay ahead of the 2025 season
Girmay is renowned for his sprinting power and ability to excel in one-day races and select stages of Grand Tours on rolling terrain. He claimed a Giro d'Italia stage victory and won Gent-Wevelgem in 2022 with his former team, highlighting his punch in the finale.
At NSN Cycling, he joins a squad building a strong sprint unit alongside British riders Ethan Vernon and Jake Stewart, with the aim of delivering a smooth sprint train in the biggest races.
A new beginning under NSN's umbrella
NSN Cycling is the rebranded project that followed the exit of Israel-Premier Tech, a team previously co-owned by Canadian-Israeli billionaire Sylvan Adams. The team faced sponsor pressure and protests during the Israel-Gaza conflict, leading to sponsorship withdrawals and internal tensions. The organization also saw a high-profile rider departure and ongoing arbitration with cycling's governing body, the UCI.
Under Andres Iniesta's Never Say Never (NSN) group, the team restructured and registered in Switzerland with a Spanish-style management structure. There is talk of a potential salary uplift for Girmay, with reports suggesting earnings could exceed £860,000 per year, depending on bonuses and performance.
Apart from racing, NSN has continued to support community projects, including plans to build a cycling track in Rwanda to nurture African talent.
Girmay stated: "In Eritrea, cycling is in our blood, and I want to help develop the sport across Africa. This team has achieved great things, and I’m excited to contribute."
Expert view
Expert comment: A cycling analyst notes that Girmay’s move signals NSN’s ambition to become a leading platform for sprint specialists. The partnership with Iniesta could attract more African riders and raise the sport’s profile on the continent.
Short summary
Girmay signs a three-year contract with NSN Cycling, reinforcing the team’s sprint capability and marking a fresh start after the ownership transition. The deal sits within NSN’s broader plan to elevate African cycling, while ongoing arbitration with the UCI continues in the background. Community initiatives such as Rwanda’s cycling track reflect the project’s development goals.
Key takeaway: Girmay’s move signals NSN’s commitment to elevating African cycling and building a global sprint powerhouse under Iniesta’s leadership. BBC Sport