Girmay Leads a Full Sprint Train at the 2026 Tour de France

The 2026 Tour de France rolled out of Barcelona on July 4, and for the first time in his career, Biniam Girmay starts the world’s biggest race with a team built entirely around his sprint.

NSN Cycling Team confirmed its eight-rider squad with Girmay as the outright leader, supported by a dedicated lead-out train and experienced road captains for the mountains. The goal is stated plainly: stage wins and a second green jersey, two years after the Asmara-born sprinter became the first African to win any jersey at the Tour.

Girmay arrived in form, taking a stage at the Baloise Belgium Tour in June in a sprint against the fastest riders in the world. Every finish line between here and Paris is a chance to add to the most decorated palmarès in African cycling history.

This is a launch-day article. Update with results as the race unfolds.