Picture this: an American cyclist soaring into the upper echelons of professional road racing, ready to conquer Europe's toughest challenges and inspire a new wave of talent. That's the thrilling narrative unfolding with Luke Lamperti's move to EF Education-EasyPost, set to begin in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial – is this a bold leap forward for American cycling, or does it risk diluting the sport's deep European roots? Stick around to uncover the full story.
Racing
A Rising American Star Reinforces Our Classics Lineup
November 4, 2025
The dynamic American rider Luke Lamperti is set to energize the EF Education-EasyPost squad starting in 2026, bringing his explosive speed and unyielding resilience to our classics-focused team.
At just 22 years old, hailing from Santa Rosa, California, Luke combines a blistering sprint finish with the grit of an experienced rider in one-day races known as classics. Entering his third season in the elite WorldTour circuit, he's already notched up six victories, including a memorable stage win earlier this summer at the Czech Tour. He's also claimed podium spots in prestigious Belgian single-day events like the Danilith Nokere Koers and the Bredene Koksijde Classic, and he harbors ambitions of triumphing in iconic monuments while donning the EF Education-EasyPost kit.
"I'm genuinely thrilled to be part of the team," Luke shares with enthusiasm. "I already have connections with several of the riders and can't wait to blend into a supportive group, exploring what the coming seasons have in store. It truly feels like returning to familiar territory. After all, it's an American squad. And let's face it, cycling hasn't fully taken off in the US yet, so representing an American WorldTour outfit as an American athlete is incredibly special."
Before swapping two wheels for two pedals, Luke honed his skills on motocross tracks. As a young boy, he took up cycling to build endurance for dirt bike competitions, discovering a newfound sense of liberation while cruising the trails around his home.
"The landscapes in Sonoma County, where I grew up, offer incredible biking opportunities," Luke recalls. "I developed a deep passion for the sport, spending time outdoors and constantly pushing myself to improve. Setting personal targets fueled my progress. Everything happened so quickly, leading me to this point in my career."
Drawing on his motocross background, Luke's perseverance and physical prowess propelled him to the top of competitive youth races across the USA. He quickly advanced to compete for a leading junior team in the nation and ventured to Europe with the American national squad. Impressive finishes, such as his top-10 placing at Paris-Roubaix Juniors, secured him a position with Trinity Racing, where he rode alongside future EF Education-EasyPost teammates like Ben Healy, Max Walker, and Lukas Nerurkar.
"That's the moment I relocated to Europe permanently, fully embracing a professional lifestyle," Luke explains. "Although I wasn't yet a pro, we tackled a complete European race schedule. After three years with Trinity, I transitioned to professional status, and the shift proved relatively seamless. From my initial races, I felt at ease. My rookie year brought solid performances mixed with a few obstacles, but overall, it was a positive journey. The past two years have been truly enjoyable."
Luke aims to sustain his upward trajectory within EF Education-EasyPost. He's versatile, capable of delivering strong results across varied landscapes, whether navigating the undulating, gusty terrains of spring classics or tackling multi-stage summer races.
"Luke stands out as an exceptional sprinter and a formidable classics specialist who excels at leading out teammates," comments EF Pro Cycling's founder and CEO Jonathan Vaughters. "He's a natural leader, particularly for someone so young. At 22, he already commands the role of road captain. He possesses remarkable skills in guiding a peloton and deciphering race strategies with precision. He'll be our key player in cobblestone races and a go-to sprinter for many events. Moreover, I envision him as a valuable mentor to Noah Hobbs, our exceptional U23 sprinter joining us in 2026. Having completed a grand tour this year alongside a demanding calendar, much like Luke, should position Noah for great success. I can envision Luke clinching a victory in a race like Gent-Wevelgem. And if we're dreaming big: Milano-Sanremo. Luke thrives in technically demanding, strategically intense competitions."
Luke envisions his own growth following a similar path.
"I'd describe myself as a sprinter, though not in the purest sense," he clarifies. "I'm more of a punchy sprinter who performs well in classics and sprints with smaller fields. Events like Milano-Sanremo are ones where I'd love to excel. Additionally, stages in grand tours are targets I'm eager to pursue down the line."
Yet, the classics remain his ultimate passion. He excels on the wind-swept cobblestones and eagerly anticipates tackling Belgium's notorious hills with our classics team, alongside fellow Americans Neilson Powless and Colby Simmons.
"I adore the adrenaline rush that courses through the entire duration of a classic," he enthuses. "Whether it's 200 kilometers or just two left to race, the suspense never wanes. I thrive on the non-stop intensity, high-stakes positioning on cobbled ascents, and the vibrant atmosphere. The fans and the cycling culture in Belgium are wonderfully welcoming too."
Luke understands that realizing his cycling aspirations demands a focus on the journey. With our team's backing, he's assured he'll receive the necessary resources to rival the world's elite.
"My goal is to maximize my potential throughout my career," he states. "I aim to excel in the planet's premier races. For me, it's all about progressively elevating my game until I'm contending for wins in the most prestigious events."
And this is the part most people miss – joining EF Education-EasyPost could be the catalyst for Luke to redefine what an American rider can achieve in a historically European-dominated sport. Some might debate whether prioritizing American talent overlooks global diversity, or if it's a necessary push to globalize the peloton. What do you think? Is building more American teams the future of cycling, or should the focus remain on established European strongholds? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree with this shift, or do you see potential downsides?
Welcoming you aboard, Luke. You've got this!
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