Bini Girmai Aims for Tour de France Glory Amid High Expectations with Israeli NSN Team

Bini Girmai, the 26-year-old Eritrean cycling star of the Israeli NSN team, faces immense pressure as he prepares to compete in the 2026 Tour de France starting in Barcelona. After making history in 2024 as the first African to win a Tour de France stage and securing the green sprint jersey with three stage wins, Girmai experienced a disappointing 2025 season with Intermarché. This led to a surprising transfer to NSN, a team founded as Israel Cycling Academy, despite protests against the team in Europe due to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Half a year after joining NSN, Girmai is under the highest expectations from himself, his team, and the continent. His teammate, Israeli rider Nadav Reisberg, praised Girmai's ability to handle pressure and inspire the team, emphasizing that NSN has built one of the best sprint trains in the world around him. British sprinters Jake Stewart and Lewis Askey will lead him into the final sprint meters, with the entire team focused on supporting his victories.

Girmai expressed confidence in his new environment, stating that NSN fulfilled promises of top equipment and support, which he lacked in 2025. He said he is not afraid to fail and even welcomes losses as part of the path to victory. The 2026 Tour includes six flat or hilly stages suited for sprinters, and Girmai aims to win at least one, possibly two or three, though he acknowledges the competition is tougher than before, with rivals like Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen, Michael Matthews, and possibly Tadej Pogačar.

Beyond personal success, 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 believes his career symbolizes broader opportunities for African cyclists, paralleling the breakthroughs of Israeli teammates within the team.