Can Girmay Recreate Past Tour de France Glories with New Team?

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: Biniam Girmay will have a new bike, a new team and the backing of a FIFA World Cup winner as he attempts to recreate past glories at the Tour de France.

It has been a relatively quiet two years since the 26-year-old's incredible performance in the 2024 race, when he made history as the first black African to win a Tour stage. Girmay's victory was not just a personal triumph; it was a landmark moment for African , showcasing the continent's emerging talent on a global stage. Following this historic win, he went on to become the first African to finish the race with the coveted green jersey, which is awarded to the best sprinter in the Tour de France. This achievement has not only elevated his status within the but also inspired a new generation of cyclists from Africa.

Last December, after five seasons with Belgium's Intermarche-Wanty, he signed a three-year contract with NSN - a team co-owned by former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who lifted football's biggest trophy with Spain in 2010. The transition to NSN represents a significant step up in terms of resources and support for Girmay. The backing from Iniesta and the financial muscle of the joint venture between the Swiss investment firm Stoneweg and the event promotion company Never Say Never, co-founded by Iniesta, indicates a commitment to elevate the team's competitiveness in the world. Girmay expressed enthusiasm about his new environment, stating, "I am super happy and super motivated to start, to go for stage wins, and chase the green jersey."

Girmay's confidence is bolstered by the strength of his new teammates, whom he believes will provide him with better support than he had in previous seasons. "This has been our main goal since the beginning of this season. I have stronger teammates and a stronger lead-out compared to last year. That is why my results are better," he said. The team dynamics in are crucial, especially for sprinters who rely on their teammates to position them perfectly for the final sprint. The synergy within the NSN team could be a game-changer for Girmay as he aims for victory.

As the 2025 Tour de France approaches, the Grand Depart, a 20km team time trial, will take place in scorching heat in Barcelona, followed by stage three, which will feature a challenging ascent through the Pyrenees. These initial stages are expected to test the mettle of even the most seasoned sprinters. However, Girmay's upbringing in East Africa may provide him with an advantage in these conditions. "If you look at my best sprint performances, they were in the 2024 Tour de France, and we had two super hard and hot stages to start in Italy. That's harder for the others - this is potentially also a benefit for me this year, as I can survive the heat better," he remarked, highlighting his adaptability.

Sprinting to Glory?

In terms of resources, NSN is in a different league compared to Intermarche-Wanty, boasting a much larger budget that allows for better training facilities, nutrition, and overall team support. This financial backing is vital in professional , where the difference between winning and losing can often come down to the smallest margins. The switch is proving fruitful already, with Girmay registering three wins at UCI races this year, as well as winning the overall green points jersey at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana. His performance has set a positive tone for the upcoming Tour, and he finished third in the classification for the green jersey at last year's Tour, indicating that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level.

Girmay's confidence in his preparation for this year's race is palpable. "I've had enough preparation for this year's race, especially compared to previous years," he stated. The importance of preparation cannot be overstated in , as it directly impacts a rider's performance. The NSN team has been focusing on ensuring that all members are in peak condition, which is essential for achieving their collective goals. "We also have everybody more or less in the same shape. That also makes a big difference because, as a team, we need to have everybody at the same level," Girmay added, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in a that often highlights individual achievements.

As the Tour progresses, all eyes will be on whether Girmay can reclaim his previous form when the sprint stages arrive. Most observers believe that the fifth stage from Lannemezan into Pau in south-west France will be the first opportunity for him to showcase his sprinting abilities. The competition will be fierce, especially from Jasper Philipsen's Alpecin-Premier Tech team and the Soudal-QuickStep team led by Tim Merlier, both of whom are renowned for their sprinting prowess. However, Girmay's versatility may also come into play during the challenging third stage, which features a 195.9km ride from Granollers to Les Angles and includes a 1.7km climb at a 7% gradient to the finish. Girmay's climbing ability, combined with his sprinting skills, could see him emerge as a formidable competitor in both types of terrain.

Backing the Next Generation

Although Girmay is the sole African rider on this year's Tour, he is optimistic about the future of African . He believes that the world will soon see another fast-rising talent from Eritrea tackle 's premier event. That man is 20-year-old Milkias Maekele, another powerful sprinter who recently won the men's road race at the Eritrean National Road Championships. The Eritrean nationals are among Africa's most hotly-contested road races, and Maekele's victory in a dominant solo effort has drawn attention to his potential. Girmay has high hopes for Maekele, stating, "He has a strong mind for racing, a truly winning mentality. I am super happy for him for winning the national championships. He really deserved it as he raced very well."

Maekele, like Girmay, is a product of the As.Be.Co. team in Asmara. His early performances caught the eye of scouts, leading to a contract with Germany's Team Bike Aid, a UCI Continental-level team known for its commitment to supporting African riders. After just one strong season, he was signed by the development squad of the top-level Netcompany Ineos team, which has established itself as one of the most dominant forces in modern over the past 16 years. The emergence of young talents like Maekele is crucial for the growth of in Eritrea and the broader African continent.

Eritrea has become known as Africa's most successful nation in the , with several other riders, including the highly-rated Henok Mulubrhan (XDS Astana) and Natnael Tesfatsion (Movistar), competing at the top level. This growing presence of African cyclists in international competitions is a testament to the increasing investment in the across the continent. However, Girmay remains the undeniable poster boy of African . His continued success at events like the Tour de France not only enhances his personal legacy but also serves to inspire countless aspiring cyclists across Africa. If he can claim the Tour de France's green jersey for a second time, it would solidify his position as a trailblazer for African athletes in .

As the Tour de France unfolds, fans can expect to see hundreds of Eritrean flags at each sprint finish, a symbol of national pride and the growing influence of African cyclists in a traditionally dominated by European competitors. Girmay's journey and the emergence of young talents like Maekele signify a new chapter in African , one filled with promise and potential for the future.