Biniam Girmay Signs Three-Year Deal With NSN, Marking a Major Shift in African Cycling

NSN Cycling Team has confirmed the signing of Eritrean star Biniam Girmay on a three-year contract running through 2028, securing one of the sport’s most dynamic and influential riders ahead of the 2026 season. The move positions Girmay as a central figure in the team’s competitive ambitions and signals a new phase in NSN’s project to elevate African cycling talent.

General Manager Kjell Carlström said the team sees Girmay as both a winning rider and a cultural force. “His talent speaks for itself, but it’s the humility and leadership that make him exceptional,” he said, noting that Girmay aligns closely with the team’s broader vision on and off the bike.

Girmay, 25, arrives with 16 professional victories, including landmark wins at the Giro d’Italia, Tour de Suisse and Gent–Wevelgem. Speaking about the move, he said the appeal was not just performance-based but grounded in a fresh environment, a strong sprint train and a team culture he described as “motivated” and “united” during races. “I always look forward, not back,” he noted. “I want to win more classics, and I believe this team gives me the platform to do that.”

His signing also strengthens NSN’s Racing for Change initiative, currently operating in Rwanda through the Field of Dreams project. With Girmay onboard, the team says expansion into Eritrea—one of the world’s deepest cycling nations—is now a realistic next step. Girmay emphasized that supporting future riders is central to his long-term goals. “Cycling is part of Eritrea’s identity. If we create more pathways and real opportunities, we’ll see many more Eritrean and African riders reaching the top level,” he said.

The contract marks both a strategic sporting investment for NSN and a symbolic milestone for African cycling, placing one of the continent’s biggest talents at the center of a long-term development vision.