According to Marca, Richard Carapaz looks set to continue his career with EF Education-EasyPost, with negotiations already underway for a contract extension that would keep him at the American team until 2029. The 32-year-old Ecuadorian, Olympic champion in Tokyo and winner of the 2019 Giro dโItalia, is currently under contract through the end of 2026, but both sides are keen to secure a longer commitment.
Represented by Giuseppe Acquadro, Carapaz remains one of the marquee names in the WorldTour, with 24 professional wins and podiums at all three Grand Tours. This season he returned to winning ways with a stage victory at the Giro, confirming his continued value as both a climber and a general classification leader. His role within EF has been central since joining the team, providing both leadership and star power in the biggest races.
Earlier this summer, Carapaz admitted that continuing with EF was โthe most likely optionโ during an interview on Radio MARCA, though he stressed that discussions were ongoing. โWe are still talking with the team. In the next few weeks Iโll know more,โ he said cautiously at the time.
Carapaz has missed both the Tour de France and the Vuelta this year due to physical setbacks, but there is optimism that he will return at full strength for 2026 and beyond. The long-term extension would underline mutual trust, giving EF a proven leader to shape their Grand Tour ambitions around while allowing Carapaz to retain the freedom to build his own calendar.
For Jonathan Vaughters and EF, the move would signal continuity at the top of the roster, ensuring that their most prominent rider remains the figurehead of the team. For Carapaz, the deal represents a chance to extend his prime years in familiar surroundings, with full confidence and support. The โLocomotoraโ of Ecuador has already carved out a reputation as one of the most successful Latin American riders in history, and this new chapter suggests he still has more to deliver on cyclingโs biggest stages.