Get ready to witness the rise of a cycling star! American powerhouse Luke Lamperti is set to join EF Education-EasyPost’s roster in 2026, and this move could shake up the classics scene. But here's where it gets exciting: at just 22, Lamperti is already a force to be reckoned with, boasting six WorldTour wins, including a stage victory at the Czech Tour, and podium finishes in Belgian one-day races like Danilith Nokere Koers and the Bredene Koksijde Classic. Now, he’s dreaming of conquering monuments in his new team’s jersey—a dream that feels almost within reach.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Lamperti’s sprinting prowess and classics toughness are undeniable, some might argue that his transition from motocross to professional cycling gives him an unfair edge. What do you think? Does his background in motocross provide an advantage, or is it just another chapter in his journey to the top? Let us know in the comments!
Hailing from Santa Rosa, California, Lamperti’s journey to the WorldTour is nothing short of inspiring. He started cycling to strengthen his motocross performance but quickly fell in love with the freedom of exploring his hometown roads. ‘Where I grew up, in Sonoma County, the riding is just amazing,’ he says. ‘I fell in love with being out there, always striving to be better.’ His determination paid off, propelling him to the front of the USA’s most competitive youth races and eventually to Europe, where he raced with the American national team.
And this is the part most people miss: Lamperti’s time at Trinity Racing, alongside future EF Education-EasyPost teammates like Ben Healy, Max Walker, and Lukas Nerurkar, was a turning point. ‘That’s when I moved to Europe full-time and committed completely to living like a pro,’ he recalls. This experience laid the foundation for his smooth transition to the pro circuit, where he’s thrived over the past two years.
EF Pro Cycling founder and CEO Jonathan Vaughters is confident Lamperti will be a game-changer. ‘Luke is a real leader, especially for someone his age,’ Vaughters says. ‘He’s already capable of being a road captain, and his ability to read race tactics is incredible.’ Vaughters sees Lamperti as a key player in cobbled classics and a mentor for rising star Noah Hobbs. But could Lamperti really win a race like Gent Wevelgem or even Milano-Sanremo? Vaughters thinks so, and Lamperti himself is aiming high, eyeing grand tour stages and more classics victories.
Yet, for all his ambition, Lamperti remains grounded. ‘I want to get the best out of myself throughout my career,’ he says. ‘It’s about continuing to step up until I’m going for results in the biggest races.’ With EF Education-EasyPost’s support, he’s confident he’ll have everything he needs to compete at the highest level.
As Lamperti joins forces with fellow Americans Neilson Powless and Colby Simmons in the classics squad, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning. Welcome to the team, Luke—the cycling world is watching. But here’s the question we leave you with: Can Lamperti become the next American cycling legend, or will the competition prove too fierce? Share your thoughts below!
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