"In the Grand Tours we did well, but I'm not 100% happy" - EF sports director sees room for improvement in 2025
Cycling
One of the peloton's best stage hunting teams, EF Education-EasyPost have taken a total of 23 victories across the campaign, including starring performances at the Grand Tours through most notably Richard Carapaz. According to sports director Juan Manuel Garate though, there is still much room for improvement.
“I think the season hasn't gone badly," begins the Spanish sports director's reflection of the campaign in conversation with Tuttobiciweb from one of the season's final races, the Tour of Guangxi in China, noting Carapaz's King of the Mountains victory at the Tour de France and 4th overall finish at the Vuelta a Espana as particular highlights. "We lacked something in the classics but in the Tour, with Carapaz, we did what we hadn't done last year because he had fallen and, in general, in the Grand Tours we did well. So I don't think it's been a bad season, but I'm not 100% happy.”
Looking forward to the 2025 campaign, EF Education-EasyPost have already been active in the transfer market, bringing in additions such as Kasper Asgreen from Soudal - Quick-Step and Max Walker British continental team Saint Piran. According to rumours, the next arrival is expected to be Vincenzo Albanese from Arkéa - B&B Hotels as concerns grow over the future of the French team.
“I can't say much but I spoke to the person who trains him and to the person who had him for three years and I have good references about him. He's a boy who wants to grow, he believes in it, he likes this job. I've only heard positive things. I don't know him personally yet, but as the English say: 'I'm looking forward to working with him,'" says Garate, seemingly confirming the deal. "What kind of environment and team will he find? The environment is relaxed and even if from the outside it may seem like a slightly 'random' team, as the young people say these days, from the inside I can assure you that this is a truly professional team that does things as they should be done. In my opinion he will feel good and will be welcome."
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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