Andrés Iniesta embraces cycling as NSN builds momentum in Catalunya

The project, which followed the transition from Israel-Premier Tech into a new structure backed by Iniesta’s business network, has made a solid start to the season. 

Ethan Vernon opened the account at the Tour Down Under and added another win this week in Barcelona, while Biniam Girmay picked up victories at the Clasica de Almeria and a stage of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. George Bennett also contributed with the national title in New Zealand.

Brady Gilmore provided the latest result, winning the final stage in Barcelona after a well timed sprint on the Montjuïc circuit. “The climb today is really tough, more suited to punchy riders,” he said in the flash interview. “From the start I had a good feeling in my legs. I kept fighting until the end and never gave up.”

The Australian approached the finish with a clear plan. “I knew exactly where to launch my sprint. I had studied the finishes from previous years,” he added. “Winning is the only thing I want to do. I think about it every day. To finally take a win at WorldTour level feels incredible.”

With Gilmore’s victory, NSN now has three WorldTour wins, one more than in the entire 2025 season.

Iniesta followed the stage from close range, spending time with the team before the start. “It was an amazing day. It’s so, so special to win with Andrés in the car,” Gilmore said. “To have him on the bus this morning, showing him the race plan and how we wanted to approach it, and then to go out and execute it like we did… honestly, I’m speechless.”

The Spanish football legend followed the race from the team car and was later seen on footage joining the celebrations after his rider’s victory.

For Iniesta himself, the move into cycling is driven by a long standing connection to the sport. “Cycling has always been part of my life. I was a big fan of Miguel Indurain, Perico Delgado and that whole generation,” he said after the win of the team to RTVE.

Now involved from within, he is discovering a different side of the sport. “It’s a fascinating world. Being part of it from the inside now is something very special.”