Barcelona hosted the launch of the new professional cycling team NSN Cycling Team, which has already received a World Tour license. One of the project’s co-owners is the famous footballer Andrés Iniesta, for whom this move marks a continuation of his athletic career—this time off the football field. The project also involves the investment fund Stoneweg, which has Catalan-Swiss roots.
At the event, Iniesta emphasized that cycling has always been a part of his life, even when he played football. According to him, launching the team is a major milestone for his company NSN, which specializes in sports marketing and entertainment. For Barcelona, this event was symbolic: the city is preparing to host the start of the legendary Tour de France in 2026, and the new team is already being called one of the biggest sensations of the season.
City and sport
Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, noted that with the arrival of the NSN Cycling Team and the hosting of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, the Catalan capital will be at the center of the global cycling stage. He thanked Iniesta for helping to elevate the city’s international profile, and pointed out that in 2026 there would be no teams with Israeli names on the route, as was the case previously.
Iniesta is convinced that Barcelona’s partnership with cycling is a winning combination. The city has about 50 cycling clubs, and most residents take part in sports regularly. The new project aims to inspire young people and draw attention to the development of cycling culture in the region.
Team and ambitions
The team’s bicycles will be supplied by the renowned brand Scott. The leader of the NSN Cycling Team will be Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay, joined by young Spaniard Pau Martí. Stoneweg CEO Jaume Sabater called the project unique and unexpected for the professional cycling market.
The sporting side of the team will be managed by Finnish expert Kjell Carlstrom. He stated that the NSN Cycling Team marks a new era for the group, and the final roster will be announced soon. At the presentation, the team also unveiled its new kit, inspired by Barcelona and featuring sky blue, orange, and black colors.
Investment and prospects
The project is backed by the investment fund Stoneweg, which already has experience in sports and infrastructure initiatives. According to the fund’s representatives, participating in NSN Cycling Team is not just a business venture but also a contribution to the development of sports in Catalonia and beyond. The team is expected to be one of the most prominent at the start of the 2026 season.
The launch of NSN Cycling Team coincides with a growing interest in cycling across Spain. Barcelona, where the sport has long been part of city life, now has the chance to cement its status as one of the world’s leading cycling hubs. Organizers are confident the project will attract not only fans, but also new investors.
In case you didn’t know, Andrés Iniesta is one of the most decorated Spanish footballers, renowned for his time with Barcelona and the Spanish national team. After retiring from his playing career, he became actively involved in business, including the field of sports marketing. NSN, the company founded by Iniesta, specializes in organizing sporting events and brand promotion. The investment fund Stoneweg operates in Europe and Switzerland, carrying out major projects in real estate and sports.
