Richard Carapaz is making a major move ahead of the 2027 cycling season after confirming his departure from EF Education-EasyPost to join NSN Cycling Team on a three-year contract running through 2029.
The 33-year-old Ecuadorian cycling star will officially begin his new chapter with the Swiss-registered team in 2027, bringing an impressive collection of international victories, Grand Tour experience and leadership qualities to a squad looking to strengthen its position among professional cycling’s elite.
The signing is particularly significant because Carapaz was originally expected to remain with EF Education-EasyPost until the end of 2027. However, the two sides have agreed to an early separation, allowing the Olympic champion to pursue a new opportunity with NSN.
Carapaz arrives following one of the strongest campaigns of his recent career. At the 2026 Tour de France, he captured two stage victories and secured the prestigious King of the Mountains classification, earning the iconic polka-dot jersey. He followed that performance with an impressive second-place finish at the Clásica San Sebastián.
His achievements underline why NSN considers him an important addition to its ambitions in major stage races.
Carapaz has established himself as one of the most accomplished riders of his generation. His career highlights include winning the 2019 Giro d’Italia, capturing Olympic road race gold at Tokyo 2020 and securing podium finishes in all three Grand Tours: the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.
According to NSN Cycling Team, the Ecuadorian has accumulated 26 victories throughout his professional career, making him one of the team’s most important acquisitions ahead of the 2027 campaign.
General manager Kjell Carlström described the signing as a significant milestone for the team’s sporting project, highlighting Carapaz’s determination, competitive mentality and ability to deliver results in the toughest mountain stages.
Beyond his individual achievements, NSN expects the experienced climber to play a leadership role within the squad, helping younger riders develop while strengthening the team’s ambitions in Grand Tour competitions.
Carapaz also expressed excitement about the transfer, describing NSN’s project as an attractive opportunity and emphasizing that its ambitions closely match his own desire to continue competing at the highest level.
He said he was particularly motivated by the opportunity to become one of the team’s leaders and contribute to its development over the next three seasons.
The transfer is also part of a broader rebuilding effort at NSN Cycling Team, which continues to strengthen its roster ahead of 2027.
Carapaz will join an incoming group that includes fellow climbers Santiago Buitrago and Lennert van Eetvelt, alongside Kasper Asgreen, Artem Shmidt and Cedric Beullens. The additions indicate that the team is placing greater emphasis on stage racing, climbing strength and competitiveness in major international events.
NSN, formerly known as Israel-Premier Tech, has undergone a major transformation following its rebranding and involvement of Never Say Never, the sports and entertainment company co-founded by former Barcelona and Spain football star Andrés Iniesta.
With Carapaz now part of its long-term plans, the team is adding a proven Grand Tour contender who has already demonstrated his ability to challenge the world’s strongest cyclists.
His departure also marks the end of a successful four-year chapter with EF Education-EasyPost, where he continued to establish himself as a leading figure in international road cycling.
The biggest question now is how much Carapaz can accomplish with his new team. With a stronger supporting roster and three seasons to establish himself as its central Grand Tour leader, NSN could be preparing for a serious push toward cycling’s biggest titles.
