Neilson Powless and EF Education-EasyPost: it turns out to be a match made in heaven. The 29-year-old American still had an ongoing contract with the team until the end of 2027, but he has now signed an even longer deal. Powless is now tied to Jonathan Vaughters' team until the end of 2029.
Riding for EF Education-EasyPost, Powless has evolved from an all-rounder/stage hunter into a top-class one-day specialist. In recent years, he has already secured top 10 finishes in major classics like Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but Powless has also shown—in victories at the Clásica San Sebastián and Dwars door Vlaanderen—that there is a winner in him.
The versatile Powless hopes to take further steps in his development as a one-day racer in the coming years. "I’ve grown into an opportunistic rider on this team who can race across nearly all terrains—cobbled sectors, climbs, flat roads, and local circuits," he states in a press release. "I believe I’ve developed into a truly complete rider within this team."
"The way we approach races and aim for results has brought that out in me. I’m very happy and proud of the rider I’ve become. I never thought I’d win a cobbled classic, but it happened this year (with Dwars door Vlaanderen). Now I’m eager to repeat that, preferably in a Monument. That’s absolutely a goal I want to achieve."
Powless surprises friends, foes, Visma | Lease a Bike and himself in Dwars door Vlaanderen – photo: Cor Vos
From bull in a china shop to smart racer
Vaughters is, as always, full of praise for his riders, and that is no different in Powless’ case. "We all know Neilson’s work ethic is unmatched. He will train as hard as possible until the day he can no longer race. It’s just in his nature. I have no doubt that his performances will remain excellent."
The former rider still sees Powless growing, and not just in terms of fitness. "Slowly but surely he’s also learning real racecraft. Neilson was once a bit of a bull in a china shop who used his strength to solve problems. Now he’s learning to be a cyclist. His ability to read a race tactically has improved significantly. That will benefit his performance in the long run."
Neilson Powless
