Picture this: an American cyclist charging onto the European racing scene, ready to tackle the brutal cobbled roads of Belgium and chase victory in the sport's most prestigious one-day races. That's the electrifying journey of Luke Lamperti as he gears up to join EF Education-EasyPost in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial – can an American truly shake up a peloton dominated by European stars? Stick around to discover how his unique path might just rewrite the script on cycling's biggest stages.
Luke Lamperti Bolsters EF Education-EasyPost's Classics Lineup | EF Pro Cycling
Racing
A Rising American Star Enhances Our Cobble-Crushing Squad
November 4, 2025
EF Education-EasyPost is thrilled to welcome the dynamic Luke Lamperti to its ranks, where he'll begin competing in the 2026 season. This 22-year-old from Santa Rosa, California, brings a blistering sprint finish and the unyielding resilience typical of a veteran classics rider. With nearly three years under his belt in the elite WorldTour circuit, Luke has already notched up six career victories, including a memorable stage win at this year's Czech Tour. He's also claimed podium spots in notable Belgian one-day races such as the Danilith Nokere Koers and the Bredene Koksijde Classic, and now he aspires to triumph in the monumental events while donning the EF Education-EasyPost jersey.
"I'm genuinely thrilled to become part of this squad," Luke shares with a smile. "I already know a bunch of the riders well, and I'm eager to blend into such a welcoming crew while exploring what the future holds. It truly feels like returning home – especially since it's an American outfit. Cycling might not be huge in the US, so it's incredibly special for an American like me to step into a WorldTour team from my own country."
Before pedaling his way to pro success, Luke honed his skills on motocross bikes, which he raced as a child. He transitioned to cycling to build strength for those dirt bike adventures and soon discovered the sheer joy of exploring his local trails.
"Growing up in Sonoma County offered some fantastic riding opportunities," Luke recalls. "I instantly fell in love with biking, spending time outdoors and constantly pushing myself to improve. Setting targets kept me motivated, and things progressed quickly, leading me to my current position."
Luke's motocross background, coupled with his grit and physical prowess, propelled him to the forefront of America's toughest youth competitions. He quickly advanced to represent one of the nation's premier junior teams and even ventured to Europe with the USA national squad. Impressive finishes, like his top-10 result at Paris-Roubaix Juniors, secured him a place on Trinity Racing, where he competed alongside future EF Education-EasyPost teammates Ben Healy, Max Walker, and Lukas Nerurkar.
"That's when I relocated to Europe permanently and fully embraced the professional lifestyle," Luke explains. "Even though I wasn't yet a pro, we tackled a complete European racing schedule. After three seasons with Trinity, I turned professional, and the shift felt surprisingly seamless. From my debut races, I was comfortable right away. My rookie year brought solid results alongside some challenges, but overall, it was a positive leap. I've truly savored the past two years."
Luke is eager to maintain his upward trajectory with EF Education-EasyPost, showcasing his versatility across varied landscapes – from the rolling, gusty terrains of spring classics to the demanding stages of summer races.
"Luke stands out as an exceptional sprinter and a skilled classics specialist who excels at leading out teammates," notes EF Pro Cycling founder and CEO Jonathan Vaughters. "For someone so young, he's already a natural leader. At just 22, he can serve as a road captain, guiding groups with remarkable insight into race strategies. He'll be one of our key players in cobbled events, and we'll rely on him heavily in sprints too. Plus, I see him as a fantastic role model for Noah Hobbs, our prodigious U23 sprinter joining us. Having tackled a Grand Tour this year alongside a packed calendar, much like Luke has, should position Noah for greatness. I can envision Luke clinching a race like Gent-Wevelgem, and if we're dreaming big: even Milano-Sanremo. He's adept at navigating the intricate, strategic demands of these elite contests."
Luke envisions his development aligning with that assessment.
"I'd describe myself as a sprinter, but not the pure, all-out type," he clarifies. "I'm more of a punchy sprinter who thrives in classics before powering through reduced-field sprints. Events like Milano-Sanremo are ones where I'd love to excel. In the future, Grand Tour stages also appeal to me as targets."
Yet, the classics remain Luke's true passion. He shines on the wind-swept Belgian cobblestones and is pumped to challenge them with EF Education-EasyPost's classics team, including fellow Americans Neilson Powless and Colby Simmons.
"The classics deliver an adrenaline rush from start to finish," Luke enthuses. "Whether it's 200 kilometers or just two left, the suspense never fades. I adore the non-stop action, the tactical positioning on those steep cobbled ascents, and the vibrant fan culture in Belgium."
And this is the part most people miss – Luke understands that turning dreams into reality requires relentless focus on the details. With EF Education-EasyPost's support, he's confident he'll have the resources to rival the world's top contenders.
"My goal is to maximize my potential throughout my career," Luke affirms. "I aim to perform at the highest level in the globe's premier races. It's all about steadily elevating my game until I'm contending in the most significant events."
Joining EF Education-EasyPost marks a pivotal advancement for Luke. Welcome aboard, Luke!
But let's pause for a moment of debate: Is it fair that cycling's biggest races are so Euro-centric, or should American teams like EF push for more global balance? Some might argue that talent transcends borders, while others feel the European dominance is too entrenched. What do you think – can riders like Luke truly break the mold and inspire a new wave of American cycling stars? Do you agree with Vaughters' high hopes for Luke, or is it too soon to dream of monuments? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
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