Richard Carapaz to Join NSN Cycling in 2027
The star cyclist will depart EF Education-EasyPost as the team manages a 15 percent budget reduction.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cycling
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Richard Carapaz is set to leave EF Education-EasyPost for NSN Cycling starting in 2027. This move follows a period of significant financial restructuring for the American team.
Why it matters
The team is trimming its payroll to offset a 15 percent budget cut and the loss of title sponsor Oatly from its women's squad. By releasing their highest-paid athlete, the organization is pivoting to a strategy of signing lower-cost talent to maintain its roster.
Carapaz secured nine total race victories during his tenure with EF Education-EasyPost, including two stage wins at the 2026 Tour de France and a podium finish at the 2025 Giro d'Italia. The team also secured Tao Geoghegan Hart on a one-year deal.
The players
Richard Carapaz
He is an Olympic gold medalist and accomplished Grand Tour rider known for his climbing abilities.
EF Education-EasyPost
This is a professional cycling team based in the United States that competes on the UCI WorldTour.
Tao Geoghegan Hart
He is a professional cyclist and former Giro d'Italia winner who has joined the team on a one-year contract.
The details
EF Education-EasyPost is allowing its most highly compensated rider to depart as part of a broader plan to stabilize finances amid ongoing budget constraints. The team intends to utilize more affordable recruitment to fill the resulting vacancy on its active squad.
Timeline
Carapaz reached the podium at the 2025 Giro d'Italia.
Carapaz secured two stage wins at the 2026 Tour de France.
Carapaz joins NSN Cycling in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This roster shift reflects the team's ongoing adaptation to the UCI WorldTour budget sustainability requirements. By releasing a top-earner, the organization aims to realign its fiscal health to remain competitive over upcoming race seasons.
The departure of Carapaz signals a shift in the team's roster composition, which will now rely on newer, lower-cost talent to compete in upcoming WorldTour events. This move alters the squad's general classification strategy for major tours throughout the 2027 season.
The takeaway
Team financial instability continues to influence the movement of world-class athletes across the professional peloton. Fans should expect shifts in team depth as organizations prioritize payroll management over maintaining high-cost marquee rosters.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of professional racing, visit Cycling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cyclingnews.
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