NSN Cycling’s strategic winter acquisition of Biniam Girmay signaled a clear intent: to clinch a stage victory and vie for the green jersey at the 2026 Tour de France. This significant signing was complemented by the formation of a robust support squad dedicated to propelling the Eritrean cyclist to triumph.
Jake Stewart is poised to be an indispensable asset within this framework, acting as Girmay’s ultimate support rider in the NSN sprint formation. Stewart’s primary objective is to facilitate stage wins for Girmay at the Tour, a monumental aspiration shared by all participating teams. Should Girmay be in contention for the green jersey, the team will pivot its focus to securing that prestigious title in Paris.
Jake Stewart's Journey to Elite Lead-Out
Jake Stewart, a key figure in NSN Cycling, is dedicated to becoming a premier lead-out rider, specifically in support of Biniam Girmay’s sprint ambitions at the 2026 Tour de France. The team has undergone a strategic shift, moving from a general classification (GC) focus to specializing in Classics and sprint stages, with Girmay as their designated leader. Stewart embraces this new role, finding fulfillment in contributing to team victories rather than pursuing individual accolades, a change that has brought a new sense of purpose to his racing career.
Stewart's transition into a lead-out specialist has been a deliberate evolution. After commencing his professional journey with Groupama-FDJ, where he initially sought individual opportunities, he discovered his aptitude and passion for guiding sprinters. The inherent pressures of contending for personal victories often proved challenging, prompting him to engage with a sports psychologist for mental fortitude. Now at 27, in the prime of his athletic career, Stewart is committed to solidifying his reputation as one of the world's finest last men in sprint finishes. He views the Tour de France as the ultimate platform to showcase his refined skills, believing that a successful outing for Girmay, marked by one or two stage wins, would signify a triumphant campaign for himself as well, reinforcing his ambition to be an indispensable component of the team's sprint strategy.
NSN Cycling's Strategic Transformation
NSN Cycling experienced a significant organizational shift during the off-season, rebranding and securing new sponsorships. This followed widespread protests at the 2025 Vuelta a España concerning the team’s previous association with Israel. The internal restructuring also involved a strategic reorientation in performance goals, as Biniam Girmay stepped in as the team's lead rider, replacing former general classification contender Derek Gee-West. This pivotal change necessitated the Swiss-registered team to evolve into a formidable Classics and sprint outfit, departing from its earlier focus on overall classification ambitions.
This re-evaluation of team priorities was a collaborative decision, acknowledging the current cycling landscape where few teams can realistically target success across all disciplines simultaneously. Stewart notes that modern cycling demands specialization, with teams typically excelling in either GC, Classics, or sprints. This strategic pivot has proven beneficial for the team, alleviating the immense pressure associated with GC pursuits and empowering riders to concentrate on stages best suited to their strengths and the team's collective capabilities. This focused approach allows NSN Cycling to maximize its potential in specific race scenarios, fostering a more cohesive and effective unit on the road.