Biniam Girmay gears up for the 2026 Tour de France with renewed ambition, sporting a new bike and team, NSN Cycling, co-owned by football legend Andres Iniesta. After making history in the 2024 race as the first black African to win a Tour stage and subsequently clinching the green jersey, Girmay's journey has been relatively quiet over the past two years.

Having signed a three-year contract with NSN Cycling after five seasons with Intermarche-Wanty, Girmay expresses excitement about his new team dynamics. "I am super happy and super motivated to start, to go for stage wins, and chase the green jersey," he told BBC Sport Africa. He emphasized the strength of his new teammates and improved lead-out strategies, which he believes will enhance his performance.

The 2026 Tour kicks off with a challenging 20km team time trial in Barcelona, followed by tough stages in the Pyrenees. Girmay, who grew up in East Africa, views the scorching heat as an advantage, recalling his success in similar conditions during the previous Tour.

This year, NSN Cycling's larger budget, thanks to a partnership with Stoneweg and Never Say Never, provides Girmay with better resources. He has already claimed three wins in UCI races this season, including the overall green points jersey at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana. Girmay finished third in the green jersey classification last year and feels well-prepared for a serious challenge.

The fifth stage from Lannemezan into Pau is anticipated as a key opportunity for Girmay to showcase his sprinting prowess, with rivals like Jasper Philipsen's Alpecin-Premier Tech and Tim Merlier's Soudal-QuickStep posing significant competition. Notably, a grueling 195.9km third stage, featuring a steep climb, could also see Girmay excel, given his strength as a climber among sprinters.