Eritrean Star Girmay Becomes Cycling’s Latest Mega-Transfer

Biniam Girmay just became the latest mega-transfer of the off-season.

After much expectation, it was confirmed Monday that the trailblazing Eritrean will race for NSN Cycling Team – the squad that was Israel Premier Tech – in 2026.

NSN Cycling revealed that “Bini” will join the rebranded team on a three-year deal and become its center of orbit in both stage-racing sprints and one-day classics.

“Not only will 2026 mark a new chapter for the team, but it also represents one for Biniam. I couldn’t think of a better time to embark on a new chapter together,” NSN team manager Kjell Carlström said Monday.

“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.”

The news comes after the 25-year-old Girmay split from his former Intermarché-Wanty team on Friday ahead of its incoming merger with Lotto.

Girmay gives NSN a new leader for a new era

Girmay’s signing to NSN isn’t as potentially transformative to the whole peloton as Remco Evenepoel’s mega-move to Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe or Juan Ayuso’s shock switch to Lidl-Trek.

The finances will likewise pale in comparison.

However, it’s a hugely significant step for both the African superstar and the fledgling NSN project. The WorldTour’s newest team is looking to distance itself from its past as the controversy roiled Israel-Premier Tech squad.

Girmay will provide NSN with a leader and a focalpoint after the franchise lost Mike Woods, Matthew Riccitello, and Pascal Ackermann in the off-season. An ongoing contract dispute means NSN may also be without GC talisman Derek Gee in 2026.

Girmay broke new ground for African cycling when he won Gent-Wevelgem in 2022 and has gone on to win stages and the green jersey at the Tour de France.

He’s got winning potential and a headline-commanding status.

He will also be crucial to the team’s “Racing for Change” project, which aims to improve the lives of children in Africa.

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

“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.”

Girmay will be served by a leadout train bolstered by new signings Ryan Mullen and Lewis Askey.

“My main objective for the future, because I’m still only 25, is simple – to win bike races,” Girmay said.

“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.”