Ryan Mullen will work closely in the sprints with Biniam Girmay for at least the next two years after the Eritrean three-time Tour de France winner signed for Mullen's new team, NSN Cycling Team.
Girmay last week broke his contract with Intermarché-Wanty, which is merging with Lotto, and his move to NSN Cycling Team was expected. It means Mullen, one of the top lead-out men in the business, now has a serious sprint talent to work with.
The Irishman, who won the TT at the National Road Championships in Westmeath this year, has ridden for Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe for the last four years. He spent his first two seasons there working with Sam Bennett, who he joined the team with, and the past two seasons with Sam Welsford.
Both Bennett and Welsford enjoyed some success, though failed to hit the target as often as they would have hoped. Girmay is also coming off a weaker season in 2025 - after winning three stages and the green jersey at the 2024 Tour - and will now look to re-set, with Mullen as one of his key support riders.
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Mullen's new contract with NSN Cycling Team was announced a number of weeks ago. He has signed for two seasons - with Girmay signing for three. And that means Mullen's tenure in the World Tour will stretch to 12 seasons under this new deal.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Biniam to NSN Cycling Team. Not only will 2026 mark a new chapter for the team, but it also represents one for Biniam and I couldn’t think of a better time to embark on a new chapter together,” said NSN general manager Kjell Carlström
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“Biniam represents everything we love about cycling. His talent is obvious, but his humility and drive are what make him an extraordinary cyclist.
"From the first conversation, it was clear he shares our vision both on and off the bike and I have no doubt he will be a fantastic fit and will be a leader of our team, inspiring our riders and the entire cycling community.”
Girmay said he was delighted to join the team on a three-year deal, especially considering the strength of the sprint train at the team, which has changed identity, nationality, branding and ownership having formerly been Israel Premier Tech.
“I’m really happy to be here, especially with a new atmosphere and a new beginning, for me and for the team,”Girmay said. “As a rider, I always like to have a good environment, especially inside the team and I already heard a lot of positive things from my new teammates.
"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. To be honest, I never look back at what I achieved. I always look to the future.
“I always care what the next step is. What’s done is already done, so I don’t want to look back or be satisfied. I always want to do more. My main objective for the future, because I’m still only 25, is simple – to win bike races.
"I really love to win at the classics, and, for the moment, I only won Gent – Wevelgem so I still want to achieve more together with the team. I believe one day we can win one of the biggest races in cycling together.”
