The 25-year-old Eritrean phenomenon – already a history-maker, Tour de France green jersey and multiple stage winner, and source of inspiration – joins NSN Cycling Team as a marquee rider ahead of a bold new era for the team.

Girmay’s arrival signals NSN’s commitment to winning and to elevating cyclists who inspire audiences far beyond the finish line.

His versatility as a sprinter and classics rider, and natural leadership qualities, will add depth to NSN’s growing roster of young and ambitious riders, says General Manager Kjell Carlström.

“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,” says Carlström.

“Biniam represents everything we love about cycling. His talent is obvious, but his humility and drive are what make him an extraordinary cyclist. From the first conversation, it was clear he shares our vision both on and off the bike and I have no doubt he will be a fantastic fit and will be a leader of our team, inspiring our riders and the entire cycling community.”

In joining NSN Cycling Team, Girmay emphasized the excitement of taking on a new challenge and working with a new sprint train.

“I’m really happy to be here, especially with a new atmosphere and a new beginning, for me and for the team,” adds Girmay. “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. 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.

“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.”

Girmay has a palmarès most cyclists would dream of, with stage victories at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de Suisse among his 16 pro wins to date. However, his eyes remain firmly on the future.

“To be honest, I never look back at what I achieved. I always look to the future,” Girmay explains. “I always care what the next step is. What’s done is already done, so I don’t want to look back or be satisfied. I always want to do more. My main objective for the future, because I’m still only 25, is simple – to win bike races. I really love to win at the classics, and, for the moment, I only won Gent – Wevelgem so I still want to achieve more together with the team. I believe one day we can win one of the biggest races in cycling together.”

Girmay’s signing doesn’t just reflect NSN Cycling Team’s growing performance ambitions but also adds an exciting new development in the team’s Racing for Change project. With the team’s Field of Dreams bike center in Bugesera, Rwanda, already changing the lives of thousands of youths in the area, Girmay’s arrival lends itself to a possible expansion of the project in Eritrea to contribute to the development of cycling talent.

He says: “In Eritrea, cycling is our culture – it’s in our blood. And as an African rider, I want to develop African cycling. This team already did incredible things. I’m super happy to be part of a team with a big project in Rwanda. For me and the team, it’s a nice combination – an African rider and a team that wants to develop cycling in Africa.

“We need people who can give opportunities, bring riders to Europe, or give them the facilities they need. I will give my support from the bottom of my heart to do everything it takes to build Eritrean cycling to the top level and that starts with initiatives like the team’s Racing for Change project. I believe if we create these opportunities, we’ll see more Eritrean and African riders in the biggest races.”