NSN Cycling Team unveils Tour de France roster ahead of special Barcelona Grand Départ

Biniam Girmay will lead the NSN Cycling Team’s effort for stage wins at the Tour de France, starting Saturday, July 4. According to team officials, the race begins with a 19.6-kilometer team time trial in Barcelona, the home city of the team’s title sponsor.

Who is on the NSN Cycling Team roster?

Biniam Girmay leads a squad featuring British riders Jake Stewart and Lewis Askey, Frenchman Matîs Louvel, and Belgian Tom Van Asbroeck. According to the team, these four riders form the core lead-out group for Girmay, who earned the green jersey and three stage wins in 2024.

The roster also includes George Bennett, the reigning New Zealand road champion, and Latvian Krists Neilands, both of whom are competing in their sixth Tour. Italian Marco Frigo is the only debutant on the team.

Did You Know? The Tour de France starts with a 19.6-kilometer team time trial in Barcelona, which serves as the home city for the NSN Cycling Team’s title sponsor.

How does Biniam Girmay’s current form compare to last year?

Girmay enters the race following a stage victory and two top-10 finishes at the recent Baloise Belgium Tour. His three wins so far this season mark his strongest start to a first six-month period since 2022, according to team data.

Girmay stated he is entering the race with confidence and anticipation for sprint opportunities. He noted that his current form puts him ahead of where he was positioned prior to his 2024 performance.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while the team is heavily optimized for Girmay’s sprints, the early stages in Barcelona present a tactical mismatch. The tension lies in balancing the promotional importance of the Grand Départ with a course that Head Sports Director Sam Bewley admits isn’t ideally suited to their specific rider group.

What is the team’s strategy for the first week?

The team may face a slow start for their primary sprinter. Head Sports Director Sam Bewley stated that Girmay’s first significant opportunity for a win could not occur until stage five in Pau, France.

BINIAM GIRMAY HISTORIC TOUR DE FRANCE VICTORY 🥇 🇪🇷

Bewley said the team aims to maintain a presence throughout the 21 stages. He noted that riders like Bennett, Neilands, and Frigo could deliver outcomes via breakaways or mountain stages to keep the team visible before the primary sprint focus takes over.

What can be expected from debutant Marco Frigo?

Marco Frigo, 26, intends to fight for stage wins and seek opportunities starting in the first week. While this is his first Tour, Frigo has previously challenged for stage victories in the Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia.

Frigo stated he will provide full support for Girmay on sprint stages but believes there are opportunities to grab wins based on race tactics. He described the experience as “amazing” and noted he is prepared for the scale of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Tour de France begin?
The race begins on Saturday, July 4.

Where is the first sprint opportunity for Biniam Girmay?
Girmay’s first shot at glory is expected on stage five in the southern French city of Pau.

Which riders are making their sixth Tour de France appearance for NSN?
George Bennett and Krists Neilands are both competing in their sixth Tour.

How do you think the team time trial in Barcelona will impact the team’s momentum heading into the first sprint stages?