First race, first win. Biniam Girmay didn’t need to wait long before he tasted success in 2026, sprinting to an emphatic victory on the opening stage of Volta Comunitat Valenciana in his first race in NSN Cycling Team colors.
It was so close that Biniam wasn’t sure of the win after the finish line, but he managed to edge out Arne Marit (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) in an almost-photo finish.
After more than a year without a victory, today’s win is particularly sweet for the 25-year-old Eritrean.
“It took me more than a year to get a victory,” explains Biniam. “Last year I was second many times, and that was not enough. I’m super happy, I’m motivated, and I’m happy to be back and to get the confidence back. I have the yellow jersey and, if I remember correctly, this is the second yellow jersey I will wear in my career.”
Knowing today’s stage was the most likely of the five days to end in a bunch sprint meant it was Biniam’s primary objective coming into the race, but a strong move on the Puerto Los Madriños by the General Classification contenders meant the team had to work hard to close the gap.
“To be honest, we didn’t expect to have that kind of move on the climb,” said Biniam. “Movistar surprised us, but I was in a good position. We managed to have somebody [Riley Sheehan] in the front to keep an eye on what was going on.”
Biniam may only be two months into his time at NSN Cycling Team, but the bond he has with his teammates is evident.
“This win is thanks to my teammates, that’s why I came to this team,” added Biniam. “We have a strong group, everybody is super motivated. They did a perfect job to the last kilometer – this victory is for them, and I hope to continue like this.”
It wasn’t only Biniam who made his NSN debut today, but also Sports Director Dimitri Claeys, who is calling the shots in Valencia in his first race with the team.
“Starting the season with a first race and a first win takes some weight off the shoulders,” explained Claeys. “You can enjoy it, but we all know it’s a process. We have long-term ambitions, but everyone wants to win – that’s normal – so we are really happy.
“For Bini especially, after so many second places last season, this is a big relief. Winning his first race of the year gives him and the whole team a lot of motivation. The guys deserve it; they worked incredibly hard in the lead-up to this race, and this result is a reward for that. It’s the perfect way to start the season.”
Biniam will wear the yellow jersey in Thursday’s 17.5-kilometer individual time trial between Carlet and Alginet as reward for this memorable victory.
