Spain’s World Cup hero Andres Iniesta has taken a major step into professional sports management, co-owning a new UCI World Tour cycling team named NSN Cycling. The 41-year-old former Barcelona and Spain midfielder described the venture as “meaningful on many levels,” emphasizing that the project goes beyond sport to embrace values, community, and teamwork.

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From Football Legend to Cycling Entrepreneur

Iniesta, famous for scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and winning two UEFA European Championships, retired from football in 2024. He has since expanded his Never Say Never (NSN) sports and entertainment management company, founded in 2018 with businessman Joel Borras.

The new cycling team, NSN Cycling, emerged from Iniesta’s acquisition of the former Israel-Premier Tech team, which struggled financially and operationally. The team now holds a World Tour licence, ensuring participation in top-tier cycling races, including the Tour de France, starting next year.

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Star Signing: Biniam Girmay

NSN Cycling has made headlines by signing Biniam Girmay, Eritrea’s road cycling sensation and winner of the 2024 Tour de France green jersey. Girmay’s inclusion signals the team’s ambition to compete at the highest level immediately.

Iniesta said:

“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.”

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British Contingent and Team Roster

The team includes five British riders, including:

• Stevie Williams – one-day race specialist
• Jake Stewart – one-day race specialist
• Ethan Vernon – sprinter

Meanwhile, Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France winner, was released last month, making room for a younger, high-potential roster focused on long-term development.

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Cycling as a Business and Iniesta’s Motivation

Iniesta’s involvement goes beyond mere branding; he has long been a fan of road cycling, watching races with his grandfather. NSN Cycling aims to navigate the financial and logistical challenges of professional cycling, such as transporting riders, staff, and equipment globally for a ten-month season.

Unlike football, cycling teams do not receive direct television rights money, making sponsorship and prudent budgeting crucial. Iniesta’s team, Swiss-registered but Spanish-structured, will aim to maintain Girmay’s €2 million salary while building a competitive squad on a sustainable budget.

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NSN Cycling’s Upcoming Calendar

NSN Cycling is expected to compete in cycling’s biggest races in 2026, with the Tour de France starting in Barcelona. Iniesta’s hometown connection ensures added attention, with his team slated to feature in the opening stage team time trial, putting them in the global spotlight.

Iniesta stated:

“This new step is meaningful on many levels. 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.”

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Key Takeaways

• Andres Iniesta co-owns NSN Cycling, taking over Israel-Premier Tech’s World Tour licence.
• Eritrean star Biniam Girmay joins as the team’s flagship rider.
• The team includes five British riders and focuses on a sustainable budget.
• NSN Cycling will contest major races including the Tour de France 2026, with the opening stage in Barcelona.
• Iniesta emphasizes teamwork, values, and the collective effort behind individual victories.