Biniam Girmay (Intermarché–Wanty) is poised to join the team formerly known as Israel–Premier Tech on a three‑year contract, with his agent Alex Carera telling Italian media “he has a contract” and that paperwork is imminent once the Eritrean returns to Europe around November 20. The deal, first trailed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, comes as the organisation fast‑tracks a wholesale rebrand following the abrupt exits of co‑title sponsor Premier Tech and long‑time bike partner Factor.
Girmay has been linked to the project in recent weeks as Intermarché–Wanty and Lotto pursued merger talks that complicated existing contracts and opened a route for the 2024 Tour de France green jersey winner to negotiate elsewhere. Carera’s on‑record comment, reported Monday, points to final signatures rather than ongoing talks, although neither the rider nor the team has issued an official announcement.
Premier Tech confirmed on November 7 that it would step away for 2026, calling the situation “untenable” after the team decided to drop its Israeli identity and change its name for next season. Factor’s departure followed a public ultimatum from founder Rob Gitelis in September, who told Cyclingnews, “Without a name change, without a flag change, we won’t continue. It’s become too controversial around our brand.” The equipment split was confirmed by multiple outlets this week, with Outside and BikeRadar detailing the timeline of the decision.
Rebrand accelerates as Scott steps in, Swiss license likely
With Factor gone, the organisation has already sourced replacement hardware. Escape Collective reported that Scott has delivered bikes to the team’s Girona service course. Formal confirmation of contract length and scope has not yet been released by Scott or the team.
The rebrand extends beyond equipment. The outfit has filed its WorldTour application under the placeholder “Cycling Academy” and is expected to register in Switzerland for 2026 in order to distance itself from its Israeli identity. Rumoured new backers include Visit Rwanda and a Swiss financial institution, though those sponsorships remain unannounced. The team has shuttered its website and pared back social channels ahead of its unveiling.
On the road, the project is set to return to the WorldTour in 2026 on sporting merit at the end of the current licensing cycle, a key factor in its marketability to a marquee leader. That is where Girmay’s profile matters. At 25, the Eritrean’s record already includes the Tour’s points classification, Gent–Wevelgem, and stage wins across Grand Tours and one‑day races. He is expected to anchor the team’s Classics and sprint program under the new identity.
Securing one of the peloton’s most bankable finishers signals sporting ambition, yet the organisation is rebuilding its commercial base after losing two of its most visible partners within weeks. Integrating a new bike platform and dialling a sprint train around Girmay will require stability in staffing and budget, which in turn depends on the landing of title sponsors and UCI registration being finalised on time. The equipment change is non‑trivial for a leader who regularly contests high‑speed finishes and cobbled races, but Scott’s WorldTour pedigree provides reassurance if the partnership is confirmed.
The UCI is due to publish the 2026 team list in December, which will clarify the licence name and nationality. Expect, in short order, an official announcement on Girmay, details of the Scott partnership, and the unveiling of new title sponsors. If those pieces fall into place, the organisation’s 2026 campaign will open with a clear headline act and a very different badge.
Cover image by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
