EF Education-EasyPost have confirmed that Noah Hobbs will join their WorldTour squad in 2026 on a multi-year contract. The 21-year-old British sprinter has enjoyed a strong season with EF Education-Aevolo, the team’s new U23 development outfit, and will now make the leap to the sport’s top tier.
Hobbs has been one of the most prolific riders in the U23 ranks this year, collecting eight victories. His season began with dominance at the Volta ao Alentejo, where he won two stages, the overall classification, the young riders jersey and the points jersey. He followed up at Le Tour de Bretagne with three more stage wins and another points jersey, also spending a day in the leader’s jersey. His biggest success so far came at the Tour de l’Avenir, often regarded as the U23 Tour de France, where he claimed stage 1 in a bunch sprint against some of the best young riders in the world.
Speaking after signing his contract, Hobbs highlighted the environment at EF Education-EasyPost as a key factor in his decision. “They’re a bit different, a bit out there, and all the riders and staff are amazing. I’ve only been on the U23 team for a few months, but what’s clear is that everyone is happy to be part of the organisation, and for me, that was a really important factor when deciding to pledge my future to the team. EF Education-EasyPost is a fun team, not too strict, and has a great culture. Of course, there is a serious side to the sport, and the team set out a really clear and exciting plan for my development. Stepping into the WorldTour feels like the natural progression for me as a rider.”
Hobbs added that while his sprinting has already been successful on uphill finishes, his next challenge is to add more power for flatter sprints. “I’ve done a lot of uphill finishes this year, and they come naturally to me, but in the future, I want to gain more power for the flatter sprints. In the WorldTour, I’ll definitely receive help with that. I still have a lot of goals for this season so that I won’t be slowing down, but I’m looking forward to racing alongside riders who I can learn from and develop with.”
EF Pro Cycling CEO Jonathan Vaughters praised Hobbs’ development and creativity, pointing to his blend of track and road qualities as setting him apart. “Noah has already enjoyed an incredible season, so he’s proving to be a rider of immense quality. His speed and ability to sustain power come from his track background, but this is the first period in which he’s been able to maintain such a high level on the road. That focus, along with joining the development team, has shown that he’s the best U23 sprinter in the world right now. Noah is also the type of sprinter who can thrive in races where the sprint is a bit harder. He’s a strong bike rider, with some great instincts.”
Hobbs is the second rider to graduate from EF Education-Aevolo in its debut season, following Colby Simmons’ move earlier this year. Vaughters credited U23 manager Mike Creed and his staff for creating an environment where young riders can progress without losing individuality.
“The key to our environment is allowing and encouraging individualism. We’re not trying to pre-program riders. We allow young riders to make mistakes, learn from them, and come back stronger. Many teams are becoming increasingly rigid, but for long-term careers it’s about bringing these riders through at the right pace and in their own way. With Noah, we’re only just starting to see the first glimpses of what he will be capable of.”
For Hobbs, the next year will provide more chances to add to his growing reputation before he makes the full step up. For EF Education-EasyPost, the signing secures one of the most promising young sprinters in the sport, a rider capable of shaping the team’s future in fast finishes.
