Biniam Girmay eager to launch at NSN Cycling Team

“I had a super nice January camp in Mallorca with the guys and we were able to do some race simulations, which looked quite good,” Girmay in a statement released by the team on Monday. 

“Of course, going into the first race, you never quite know how you are or how the other riders are going, but I am confident in my shape. I can still make some improvements, but I am where I want to be at this point in the season, and I’m super motivated ahead of my first race in the new team jersey.”

The opening day of the race might provide Girmay with his clearest shot at a stage win. “The first stage is definitely my main objective,” he said. 

“Stage 3 will be tough and it depends on the way the GC guys are also racing it, but on a good day, I can survive the climb and be there for the sprint as it’s another good opportunity. We will take things day by day.”

The current start list suggests he will not have the sprint stages to himself, despite the absence of Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep). Mads Pedersen is set to ride for Lidl–Trek, bringing both speed and the ability to handle a harder run-in, while Ben Turner (Ineos Grenadiers) is another rider who can be dangerous after a tough finale.

Girmay should benefit from a solid supporting cast. With Lewis Askey, Tom Van Asbroeck, Guillaume Boivin and Matîs Louvel in the mix, he has a strong lead out at his disposal.

Girmay’s move from Intermarché–Wanty to NSN was confirmed at the beginning of December, bringing an end to a four and a half year spell that included wins at Gent–Wevelgem and a Giro d’Italia stage in 2022, followed by three Tour de France stage wins and the points classification in 2024.

When the transfer was confirmed, Girmay pointed to the atmosphere he had been looking for. “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,” he said.

“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.”