Eritrean Cyclist Bini Girmai Aims for Tour de France Victory with Israeli NSN Team

Bini Girmai, the 26-year-old Eritrean cycling star, faces immense pressure as he prepares to compete in the 2026 Tour de France starting in Barcelona. After a historic 2024 season where he became the first African to win a Tour de France stage and secured the green sprint jersey, Girmai struggled in 2025 with Intermarché and made a surprising move to the Israeli NSN team, formerly Israel Cycling Academy. This transfer was notable amid pro-Palestinian protests against the team across Europe.

Girmai has set high expectations for himself and his team, aiming for at least one major victory in the Tour, possibly more. NSN has built one of the world’s best sprint trains around him, including British sprinters Jake Stewart and Lewis Askey, to support his bid for stage wins. Israeli teammate Nadav Reisberg praised Girmai’s ability to handle pressure and inspire the team, emphasizing the collective commitment to his success.

Girmai credits NSN for providing top equipment and support, which he lacked in 2025, and says he is not afraid of failure. "I am even happy when I lose because without losses you cannot win," he said. The 2026 Tour features six flat or hilly stages suited for sprinters, and Girmai believes he can win one to three of them despite stronger competition from riders like Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen, Michael Matthews, and possibly Tadej Pogačar.

Beyond personal achievements, Girmai takes pride in representing Africa and sees himself as a trailblazer for the continent, similar to how Israeli riders have broken new ground with NSN. He views his career as a symbol of opportunity and progress for both Africa and Israel in professional cycling.