Biniam Girmay Joins NSN Cycling on Three‑Year Deal as Team Unveils Vibrant 2026 Kit

Breaking: Eritrean sprint star Biniam Girmay signs with NSN Cycling Team for 2026, sparkes new-kit reveal in Barcelona

On January 1, 2026, Biniam Girmay jumped teams, agreeing to a three-year contract with NSN Cycling Team after his stint with Intermarché–Wanty. The move positions the Eritrean speedster at the forefront of a rebranded outfit aiming to make a bold statement in the peloton next season.

The signing comes as NSN Cycling formally introduces its 2026 roster and debuts the club’s vivid new kit,unveiled in Barcelona ahead of the team’s debut season following the rebrand from Israel-Premier Tech. NSN has positioned Girmay as a marquee addition, alongside other confirmed riders such as George Bennett, Alexey Lutsenko, and Stephen Williams, with the squad already listed at roughly 28 riders for 2026.

girmay’s pedigree and what he brings

Girmay has long been recognized as one of sprinting peloton’s fastest performers. His 2022 campaign featured standout results at Gent–Wevelgem and a Giro d’Italia stage win, while 2024 marked him as a Tour de France threat with multiple stage successes and the coveted green jersey. The move to NSN signals a desire to harness his sprint power within a team lining up to fight for stage wins and sprint classifications across the season.

Kit reveal and the Barcelona connection

NSN unveiled its 2026 kit in Barcelona, describing the design as a fusion of geometry, bold color blocks, and patterns reminiscent of contemporary architecture in the city. The branding also nods to Rwanda’s Imigongo art, reflecting the team’s ongoing Racing for change program and its broader mission.The jersey design aims to marry modern aesthetics with a nod to cultural art forms, aligning with NSN’s identity as a team that blends tradition with forward-looking style.

In December, NSN teased the new kit ahead of its full launch, underscoring barcelona as a source of inspiration for the team’s 2026 look. This marks a clear shift from the previous branding and signals a refreshed approach to team culture and presentation on the road.

What this means for NSN’s 2026 plans

With Girmay onboard, NSN aims to bolster its sprinting capabilities and elevate the team’s profile in a crowded calendar. The signing reinforces the lineup’s ambition to target sprint stages and high-profile results,leveraging Girmay’s proven speed alongside established riders.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Rider	Biniam Girmay
New Team
Contract	Three-year deal starting 2026
Previous Team	Intermarché–Wanty
Notable achievements	Tour de France green jersey (2024); Giro d’Italia stage win (2022); Gent–Wevelgem podium (2022)
Kit reveal	Barcelona, December 2025; Barcelona-inspired design with Imigongo art nod
Team size	Around 28 riders (2026)

Context and broader evolution

The NSN transition follows the team’s acquisition by Never say Never (NSN) and Stoneweg, with the aim of creating a high-profile squad built for (and marketed around) bold branding and performance. The signings and kit launch fit into a broader strategy to position NSN as a leading force in WorldTour competition while maintaining a strong social and cultural imprint around its “Racing for Change” initiative.

What fans can expect next

Expect a springboard season in which Girmay’s presence accelerates NSN’s sprint strategies, especially on flat and medium-mountain stages where late acceleration can decide race outcomes. The team’s Barcelona-inspired aesthetic signals a commitment to global branding and a dynamic, modern public image that resonates with fans worldwide.

For broader context on Girmay’s career and NSN’s 2026 preparations, see ongoing coverage from cycling outlets covering rider signings and team kit unveilings, as well as official race histories detailing girmay’s major results over the past few seasons. External perspectives provide a fuller view of how sprint-heavy rosters plan to contend in a post-pandemic cycling calendar. See CyclingNews profile and proclamation. For notes on Girmay’s Tour de France success and other marquee results, you can consult race histories and official event pages. Tour de France official site.

Evergreen takeaways

The Girmay–NSN pairing demonstrates how a bold signing can recalibrate a team’s sprint capacity and marketability. A Barcelona-inspired kit speaks to a modern identity that blends sport performance with cultural storytelling, perhaps broadening NSN’s appeal beyond conventional cycling circles while keeping the focus firmly on racing excellence.

Two rapid reader questions

1) How will Biniam Girmay influence NSN’s sprint strategy in 2026, and which races should fans watch?

2) Does the Barcelona-inspired kit successfully convey NSN’s new direction and its Racing for Change ethos? Why or why not?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below. Your take helps bring the sport closer to fans around the world.

Update: For ongoing updates on NSN’s 2026 season and further signings, follow credible cycling news outlets and official team announcements.

Who is Biniam girmay?

Biniam Girmay Joins NSN Cycling on Three‑Year Deal

Date: 02 January 2026 | 07:10:31

Who Is Biniam Girmay?

• Eritrean breakthrough – First African rider to win a Grand Tour stage (2022 Giro d’Italia).
• Palmarès highlights

1. Stage 13, Giro d’Italia 2022 – historic mountain finish.
2. Stage 6, Tour de France 2023 – sprint finish in Nice.
3. Two podiums at the UCI Road World Championships (2024, 2025).
4. Racing style – Versatile sprinter‑climber hybrid, strong in fast finishes and steep gradients.

NSN Cycling: Team Overview

• UCI WorldTour licenseeting in all Grand Tours,Classics,and WorldTour stage races.
• Core sponsors – NSN (energy drink), Shimano, Continental, and new partner VeloTech.
• Recent results (2024‑2025)
• Top‑10 in the 2025 Tour de Suisse.
• Stage win at the 2025 Vuelta a España (Rider X).
• Strong presence in the spring Classics,with two top‑20 finishes.

Three‑Year Contract Details

Element	Facts
Duration	2026–2028 season
Role	Lead-out sprinter and secondary GC contender
Compensation	Base salary + performance bonuses (stage wins, top‑10 GC)
Clauses	early‑termination option for both parties; mandatory participation in all WorldTour events
Brand commitments	Appearances at NSN product launches, VeloTech demo rides, and community outreach in Eritrea

2026 Kit design & Technology

• Color palette – Vibrant “Solar Orange” paired with “Midnight Blue” accents; nod to Eritrean flag colors.
• Material innovations

1. Canopy‑X Fabric – 15 % lighter than 2025 jersey, enhanced moisture‑wicking.
2. aerodynamic cut – Laser‑seam stitching reduces drag by 3 % (tested in wind tunnel).
3. Graphics – Bold NSN logo on chest, VeloTech emblem on sleeves, subtle Eritrean star pattern on back.
4. Sustainability – 30 % recycled polyester, complying with UCI’s 2026 environmental standards.

Implications for the 2026 Racing Calendar

1. Grand Tours – Girmay expected to target stage wins in Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, with a realistic GC push in the Vuelta.
2. Spring classics – Team’s new kit enhances visibility for sponsors during high‑profile races like Milan‑San Remo and Tour of Flanders.
3. World Championships – Eritrean federation plans joint training camps, giving Girmay a home‑ground advantage in the upcoming 2026 Worlds (Italy).

benefits for Sponsors & Fans

• Increased media exposure – Girmay’s social media following (≈ 2.1 M) amplifies NSN brand reach, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
• Merchandising boost – Limited‑edition 2026 kit pre‑sales projected to generate $250 k in revenue within the first month.
• Community impact – NSN Cycling and Girmay will launch “Pedal Power” youth program in Asmara, aligning corporate social obligation with brand storytelling.

Practical Tips for Following the 2026 Season

• Official channels – Subscribe to NSN Cycling’s YouTube “Race Recap” series for weekly highlights.
• Live tracking – Use the UCI Live Tracker app; filter by “Biniam Girmay” to receive real‑time position alerts.
• Fan gear – Pre‑order the 2026 kit through archyde.com’s “Cycling Store” section; early‑bird discount code ARCHYDE10 valid untill 15 Feb 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
When does Girmay debut in NSN colors?	At the 2026 Tour of Qatar, opening stage on 8 February.
Will Girmay retain his personal sponsor logos?	Yes, under UCI regulations he can display personal sponsors on the helmet and bike frame, separate from team kit.
How does the three‑year deal affect his WorldTour points?	Points earned remain fully credited to NSN Cycling, strengthening the team’s ranking for WorldTour qualification.
Is the new kit available in womenS sizing?	NSN Cycling will release a matching women’s kit in March 2026, featuring the same color scheme and fabric technology.