'Meaningful on many levels' - Former Barcelona and Spain great Andres Iniesta 'very excited' by new cycling team co-ownership
Published 09/12/2025 at 18:07 GMT
Not content with his World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League titles, former Spain international Andres Iniesta has delved into the cycling world as co-owner of new team NSN. And the ex-Barcelona midfielder spoke of his excitement and the team's ambition for the coming season, having already secured the signing of Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay.
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Andres Iniesta said his involvement with new cycling team NSN is "meaningful on many levels".
The former Barcelona and Spain footballer is co-owner of the team, which took over the former Israel-Premier Tech team in November.
And Iniesta revealed his excitement about the new venture at the team's official presentation in Barcelona on Tuesday.
"This new step is meaningful on many levels," the World Cup winner said. "It's not only about sport - it's about everything that surrounds sport - the values, the excitement, the community.
"I'm very motivated, very excited, and eager to share this new chapter."
NSN secured the high-profile signature of sprinter Biniam Girmay last week. The Eritrean won the green jersey at the 2024 Tour de France.
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The new team are expected to compete in next year's Grand Tours after acquiring a World Tour licence.
There are five British riders currently on the books at NSN, including Stevie Williams, Jake Stewart and sprinter Ethan Vernon.
Iniesta, who acquired NSN via his sports and entertainment management company, Never Say Never, added: "I'm excited to dive deeper into cycling, learn more, and appreciate the huge amount of work behind every rider.
"The goal for the team is simple: keep growing, enjoy the journey, and show what a united team can achieve – because, in the end, only one rider wins, but the collective effort is what will define us."
NSN's ambitions have been outlined with the statement addition of Girmay, who has signed until 2028 from Belgium’s Intermarche-Wanty team.
"I’m here to win a bike race, and I think this is the team to help me improve," the 25-year-old said.
"I think the best team I can find is NSN Cycling team, so I’m really looking forward to the new season."
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The team's general manager, Kjell Carlstrom, said: "We are incredibly excited to welcome Biniam to the NSN Cycling.
"2026 will not only mark a new chapter for the team, but also for Biniam, and I can’t imagine a better time to begin this new stage together.
"Biniam embodies everything we love about cycling. His talent is evident, but his humility and determination are what make him an extraordinary cyclist.
"From our first conversation, it was clear that he shares our vision both on and off the bike, and I have no doubt that he will fit in perfectly and be one of the team’s leaders, inspiring our riders and the entire cycling community."
After his move to NSN was confirmed, Girmay said: "I’m really happy to be here, especially with a new atmosphere and a new beginning, for me and for the team.
"As a rider, I always like to have a good environment, especially inside the team, and I have already heard a lot of positive things from my new team-mates.
"When I look back at the last two years of the team, the team has improved so much. There is a really good team spirit.
"Looking at the team’s sprint train, they were always really strong, especially how they stayed together and motivated each other.
"I heard them many times during races, motivating each other so much, so I’m really looking forward to working together."
Watch and stream the 2026 cycling season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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