EF Education-EasyPost cuts 15% of its budget and workforce, citing financial strain and loss of sponsor Oatly, as it reshapes its women's cycling team.
Budget and workforce reduction announced
EF Education-EasyPost has announced a 15 percent reduction in its budget and workforce for 2027, citing financial difficulties and the loss of co-sponsor Oatly on its women's team. The decision comes as the team faces rising operational and travel costs in professional cycling.Cycling's economic challenges
Jonathan Vaughters, the American manager, stated that the economic model of cycling is "absurd" due to the lack of revenue from television rights, leading to the need to cut salaries, which are the main adjustable expense. This highlights a broader issue in professional cycling regarding financial sustainability.Richard Carapaz leaves the team
To reduce costs, the team has released Richard Carapaz from his last year of contract. Carapaz, who won the 2026 Tour de France polka dot jersey, will join the NSN team for three years.New signing for EF Education-EasyPost
In his place, EF Education-EasyPost has signed Tao Geoghegan Hart, a British rider who was released by the Lidl-Trek team after three seasons affected by a serious hip injury sustained during the Giro 2023. Vaughters acknowledged the risk of betting on a rider who has been away from the top for several months.Seeking new sponsor
The team is actively seeking a second title sponsor to help compensate for a budget estimated at 21 million euros, which is significantly lower than the financial giants in the peloton. Vaughters aims to stabilize the team's finances to return with more aggression on the transfer market by 2028.
