Salary budget reduction announced

The EF Education-EasyPost cycling team has decided to reduce its salary budget by 15 percent in 2027 due to financial difficulties. This decision follows the loss of co-sponsor Oatly and an increase in operational costs, which have strained the team's finances.

End of partnership with Oatly

The financial challenges are partly due to the end of the partnership with Oatly, which supported the women's team. Additionally, rising costs for operations and travel in the global cycling scene have contributed to the team's need to cut expenses.

Release of Richard Carapaz

To ease financial pressure, the team has terminated the last year of Richard Carapaz's contract. Carapaz, who won the polka dot jersey at the 2026 Tour de France, will join the NSN team. Team manager Jonathan Vaughters described the decision as necessary despite calling it "somewhat sad."

Signing of Tao Geoghegan Hart

In an attempt to replace Carapaz, EF Education-EasyPost has signed British cyclist Tao Geoghegan Hart. He is coming back from a hip injury that affected his performance in the 2023 Giro d'Italia. Vaughters acknowledged the risk of signing a rider who has been away from top competition for several months.

Seeking new sponsor

The team is still looking for a second title sponsor to help cover a budget estimated at 21 million euros, which is much lower than that of other teams in professional cycling. Vaughters hopes to stabilize the team's finances to be more competitive in the transfer market by 2028.