Back in Europe - Biniam Girmay allegedly signed the deal to join the current Israel - Premier Tech

Sylvan Adams reportedly out as team owner, while Biniam Girmay has come on as a new signing

Although it is not yet official, as expected Biniam Girmay will not ride for the renovated Lotto from next season despite a running contract with the disbanding Intermarché - Wanty. Instead, the Eritrean sprinter will bring his talent over to the current Israel - Premier Tech, which will be known under a completely different name in 2026.

By Will Tracy

After a tumultuous year, Israel-Premier Tech is going through a complete overhaul for 2026, with a brand new title sponsor, new owner, and new national identity.

Protests against the team for its Israeli branding and ties grew throughout the 2025 season, ultimately crescendoing at the Vuelta a Espana in August and September as day after day of protests disrupted the race and led to shortened and even canceled stages.

Israel-Premier Tech is getting a big overhaul to its identity in 2026 as NSN Cycling Team

The team’s new branding.

Title sponsor Premier Tech and bike sponsor Factor both walked away this off-season, having had enough of the distractions around the team. Now, the outfit is adopting a new identity as NSN Cycling Team, the team announced today.

The team was previously registered in Israel, but is now making it very clear that it is a Swiss registered team, with operations based out of Barcelona and Girona, Spain.

And the overhaul goes all the way to team ownership. Israeli-Canadian owner Sylvan Adams is out at the team as well, as reported by Spanish publication Marca.

With that, the team currently known as Israel-Premier Tech will essentially cease to exist in all major ways come the new year, its UCI team license and returning riders/staff the thread connecting the 2025 team to the new 2026 project. Kjell Carlström continues on from IPT team staff and will act as general manager.

The team will also have a continental level squad racing as NSN Development Team.

The New Sponsors: Never Say Never and Stoneweg

NSN, short for Never Say Never, is a seven-year-old sports and entertainment company with wide ranging assets, from a second-division Danish soccer club to a gravel bike brand. It has also organized international friendly soccer matches among other entertainment events.

“NSN’s acquisition of the team license, and subsequent role in the team’s operations, is an opportunity to welcome investment from an industry leader in global sports and entertainment, drawing on their wealth of experience to the benefit of the team and our partners,” said team general manager Kjell Carlström.

Additional new sponsor Stoneweg describes itself as “a global alternative investment group.” The Swiss firm reportedly manages €11 billion of assets.

Biniam Girmay comes on as a star signing

Biniam Girmay of Eritrea and Team Intermarche - Wanty during the training prior to the 14th Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec & Montreal 2025 / #UCIWT / on September 10, 2025 in Quebec City, Quebec. (Photo: Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images

Biniam Girmay struggled by his standards in 2025 after an excellent 2024 campaign. (Photo: Szymon Gruchalski/Getty Images)

2024 Tour de France green jersey winner Biniam Girmay has reportedly signed with the newly rebranded squad, bringing some star power to the roster which lost Mike Woods to retirement in the off season. Another departure is Derek Gee who terminated his contract earlier in the year, citing “just cause” for numerous reasons, including safety and personal beliefs. American Riley Sheehan and Canadians Hugo Houle, Guillaume Boivin, and Pier-André Côté represent the North Americans on the squad.

Girmay struggled to follow up his outstanding 2024 season, his best results being second place in the first stage of the Tour and another handful of second places throughout the year. A fresh start on a revamped team could help the Eritrean star regain his form.

Back in Europe - Biniam Girmay allegedly signed the deal to join the current Israel - Premier Tech

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