Project Echelon Racing to Field Younger 2027 Roster
The cycling team will debut a 13-rider squad featuring a lower average age for the upcoming 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Cycling
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Project Echelon Racing announced its 13-rider roster for 2027, focusing on a youth-led strategy. The team has successfully reduced its average rider age to 22.6 years, down from the previous average of 25.5 years.
Why it matters
This transition year aims to prioritize development by integrating new talent alongside experienced champions. By trimming the roster size and lowering the average age, the team is positioning itself for a new phase of competitive growth.
The 2027 roster comprises eight returning riders and five new additions, while seven cyclists have departed the team. This roster adjustment represents a significant downsizing in total headcount from previous seasons.
The players
Jérôme Gauthier
He is the current Canadian road champion who will continue to anchor the team on the road.
Luke Elphingstone
He serves as the USPro criterium champion and is a key returning member of the roster.
Kade Kreikemeier
He is the reigning US U23 time trial winner and remains a central figure for the squad.
Arnaud Lajoie
He is a 19-year-old cyclist joining the team as part of the new 2027 recruitment drive.
Garrett Beshore
He is a 19-year-old rider brought on to help lower the average age of the team for the new season.
The details
The squad retains key talent such as Canadian road champion Jérôme Gauthier, USPro criterium champion Luke Elphingstone, and US U23 time trial winner Kade Kreikemeier. New talent includes 19-year-olds Arnaud Lajoie and Garrett Beshore, alongside Dylan Fluckiger and Jesse Maris.
Timeline
The team will hold a training camp in Southern California in January 2027.
Racing in Croatia, Spain, and Portugal is scheduled for the spring of 2027.
The team will conclude its North American campaign by the end of June 2027.
Season Trajectory
By lowering the average age of the squad, the team is signaling a commitment to long-term development that contrasts with the stability of established professional rosters. This shift in the roster composition impacts the team's ability to compete in high-stakes spring races in Europe.
The roster reduction means that competition for race starts will be more concentrated among the 13 signed riders throughout the 2027 season. Fans tracking the team can expect a heavier reliance on the three former stagiaires returning on one-year contracts to bolster depth.
The takeaway
The team is undergoing a fundamental shift in strategy by prioritizing younger talent over established veterans. Implementing a lower average age is a common tactic for teams looking to build endurance and tactical experience for future competition cycles.
Further reading
For more news on professional squads, visit our Cycling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyclingnews.
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