EF Education-EasyPost team does not publicly share informations regarding all of the team riders and contractual situation, which often leads to speculation. Richard Carapaz for example, officially, is not known to have a contract for next year. But new information suggests that this is the case and he will stay with the American team.We have recently written about the American team’s tricky situation, and as of this Monday, the team’s public record continues to show the same: Only 22 riders are signed towards the 2026 season, leaving eight spots open. From these, it is known that James Shaw is departing the team as he put out a call on social media to find himself a new team. 11 riders remain without a contract for 2026, more than the team can have for the upcoming year. One of them is Richard Carapaz, and the duration of his non-contract situation has led to rumours of him returning to Movistar or even INEOS Grenadiers.But these are to be taken with a grain of salt. And perhaps they are baseless? Journalist Daniel Benson wrote on X this Monday afternoon that the Ecuadorian is actually under contract until 2026. This would clarify why there is no announcement regarding the climber’s future, however it not only opens up questions as to why his contract duration has not been communicated, but also opens up the possibility that other riders are under contract and it is not publicly known.
