Cycling fans will only have to wait a few more days to see Biniam Girmay lining up for the first time in NSN Cycling Team colours when he takes to the start line of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana on Wednesday, 4 February.
It will be the first time Biniam opens his season at the five-stage Spanish race, which this year provides a clear sprint opportunity on the opening day, and a possible sprint on the third stage after a climb in the final.
The 25-year-old Eritrean will be supported in the sprints by Guillaume Boivin, Tom Van Asbroeck, Matîs Louvel, and fellow new recruit Lewis Askey, while Riley Sheehan and Pau Martí have a free card to play in the General Classification.
For Sports Director Dimitri Claeys, the team’s sporting goals extend beyond the pursuit of stage wins.
“Of course, we are lining up at Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana with the objective of stage wins, and we have a strong sprint train around Biniam to try to achieve that goal,” says Claeys. “But, as it is Biniam’s first race with the team and with this lead-out group, one of our biggest goals is to really gain racing experience as a group, improve teamwork, integrate the new riders, and learn how best to race with each other.
“Focusing on these aspects will be crucial as the season continues, and we want to build that strong foundation already.
“In addition to the sprint stages, we have Riley Sheehan and Pau Martí, who is racing on his home roads, and these young guys will have free cards for the General Classification. They don’t have any pressure on them, which makes it a great opportunity to take a chance and go for their best result overall.”
Biniam arrives in Valencia off the back of a training camp in Mallorca and is eager to start his season.
“I had a super nice January camp in Mallorca with the guys and we were able to do some race simulations, which looked quite good,” explains Biniam.
“Of course, going into the first race, you never quite know how you are or how the other riders are going, but I am confident in my shape. I can still make some improvements, but I am where I want to be at this point in the season, and I’m super motivated ahead of my first race in the new team jersey.
“The first stage is definitely my main objective. Stage three will be tough and it depends on the way the GC guys are also racing it, but on a good day, I can survive the climb and be there for the sprint as it’s another good opportunity. We will take things day by day.”
NSN Cycling Team at Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana (4-8 February)
Riders: Lewis Askey (GBR), Guillaume Boivin (CAN), Biniam Girmay (ERT), Matîs Louvel (FRA), Pau Martí (ESP), Riley Sheehan (USA), Tom Van Asbroeck (BEL)
Sports Directors: Steve Bauer (CAN), Dimitri Claeys (BEL), René Andre (CZE)