Get ready for a fresh wave of young cycling talent that's set to electrify the roads in 2026! EF Education-Aevolo is shaking things up with a roster that's packed with promise and a heavy emphasis on climbing prowess, but here's where it gets controversial: Are we sacrificing homegrown U.S. races for international glory? Stick around as we dive into the details of this exciting lineup and the challenges ahead—because there's more to this story than meets the eye.
EF Education-Aevolo has unveiled a squad of 14 riders for their 2026 season, marking the 10th year of this U.S.-based developmental team at the Continental level. For those new to cycling, Continental teams are a stepping stone below the WorldTour elite, where riders hone their skills and build experience before potentially moving up. This year's group features six newcomers, bringing a burst of fresh energy to the mix.
Among the standout additions are two 18-year-olds: Peyton Burckel from Louisiana and Robert Capello from Asti, Italy. Burckel caught the eye of team director Jonathan Creed at a track camp, where his impressive speed belied his smaller stature. Despite a tough 2025 season that included a collarbone break right at the start, Burckel's talent and dedication shine through in his performances on and off the bike. Creed has high hopes for him, viewing him as a promising prospect ready to thrive with EF Education-Aevolo.
The other new faces include Colombian climber Juan Felipe Rodriguez, whose strong talent and endurance make him a perfect fit for the team's mountain-focused approach. Then there's British rider Tomos Pattison, an all-around talent who spent the last two years with the Visma-Lease a Bike Development team. Pattison clinched the under-23 time trial title in his home country in 2024 and even nabbed a junior victory at the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège back in his youth. Rounding out the trio of 20-year-old rookies are U.S. riders Nathan Cusack from Vermont and Jack Makohon from Texas—both climbers with proven track records. Makohon, who rode with Team Skyline for the past two seasons, secured the King of the Mountains title at the 2024 Turul Romaniei, a race known for its challenging European terrain. Cusack, meanwhile, had a breakout 2025 with the Kelly Benefits Cycling Team, winning three out of four stages at the Tucson Bicycle Classic, the USA Cycling Collegiate criterium championship, and even his first European road race victory in Spain at the Vuelta Castilla y León.
On the returning side, three U.S. riders—Alfredo Bueno, Gavin Hlady, and Noah Streif—are back for another go. Hlady, for instance, impressed at the 2025 USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships in the under-23 men's road race. The rest of the squad hails from Europe, including Danish rider Magnus Carstensen, British cyclist Joshua Golliker, Swedish talent Linus Larsson, Colombian Miguel Ángel Marín, and Belgian Jenthe Verstraete. This international blend adds diverse strengths to the team.
And this is the part most people miss: the deliberate focus on climbers. Creed emphasized the 'climbing-heavy' nature of the roster, highlighting Rodriguez's horsepower and talent. With climbers like Makohon and Pattison joining, this setup could dominate hilly terrains but might leave flatlanders scrambling. Is this strategy a smart gamble for victory, or does it overlook the need for versatile all-rounders? We'll explore that controversy more as we go.
Looking ahead to the 2026 calendar, Creed, now based in Silver City, New Mexico, is juggling logistics to include key U.S. races like the Tour of the Gila (April 29-May 3), the Maryland Cycling Classic, and the revived Philadelphia Cycling Classic sponsored by AmeriGas. He's pondering whether the WorldTour team or the development squad will handle these events, likely with some under-23 riders integrated. The return of the Philadelphia race is especially thrilling—it's a chance to bring high-level competition back to American soil.
But here's where it gets controversial: scheduling conflicts are brewing. The Tour of the Gila clashes with the Tour de Bretagne Cycliste in France, a renowned seven-day stage race that spotlights emerging U23 talent. Creed is eager to 'finesse' the calendar to field a team at home events like the Gila and Redlands, not just for exposure but also to support local communities. 'I would love to show the team off to all my neighbors and community,' he says, underscoring the pride in representing the U.S. Yet, the preference for international races raises eyebrows—should development teams prioritize global experience over domestic showcases? This tension might spark debate among fans.
The schedule is still evolving and will be finalized soon, promising an exciting year ahead.
EF Education-Aevolo 2026 Roster
- Alfredo Bueno (USA)
- Peyton Burckel* (USA)
- Robert Capello* (ITA)
- Magnus Carstensen (DEN)
- Joshua Golliker (GBR)
- Gavin Hlady (USA)
- Linus Larsson (SWE)
- Jack Makohon* (USA)
- Miguel Ángel Marín (COL)
- Tomos Pattison* (GBR)
- Juan Felipe Rodriguez* (COL)
- Noah Streif (USA)
- Jenthe Verstraete (BEL)
(* denotes new rider)
Jackie has over three decades of experience in the sports world, covering news reporting, marketing, and public relations. In 1998, she launched Peloton Sports, a firm that handled promotions for events like the Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, and USA Cycling. She also established Bike Alpharetta Inc., a Georgia nonprofit dedicated to promoting safe cycling. With six years in professional baseball—from ad sales to on-field duties like tarp-pulling for minor league teams—she brings a broad perspective. An avid cyclist herself, she's conquered l'Alpe d'Huez three times (though not at record speed), and her favorite routes include scenic rides past horse farms in north Georgia and lavender fields in Provence, France, plus mountain biking adventures in Park City, Utah.
What do you think—does EF Education-Aevolo's climbing-focused approach set them up for success, or should they diversify more for balanced racing? And on the scheduling front, is prioritizing European races over U.S. events a fair trade-off for young talents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
