Powless to Support New EF Education-EasyPost Riders at Tour de la Provence

Neilson Powless begins his 2026 cycling season this Friday at the Tour de la Provence, but his initial focus won’t be on personal victories. Following a knee injury that disrupted his off-season training, the EF Education-EasyPost rider will instead dedicate his energy to supporting the ambitions of teammates Michael Leonard and Luke Lamperti as they pursue stage wins in France.

A Shift in Focus

Now 29 years old and entering his ninth WorldTour season – his seventh with EF Education-EasyPost – Powless is adapting his professional goals. He intends to leverage his experience by “sharing some of my knowledge” with a cohort of younger riders aged 20-23 within the team.

Did You Know? Neilson Powless achieved a significant victory in 2024, winning the Dwars door Vlaanderen race.

The injury, sustained after celebrating the birth of his second son Remy in October, proved challenging. Powless described a 12-week off-season period, complicated by tendonitis stemming from the initial knee injury. He is currently four weeks into rebuilding his fitness.

Supporting the Next Generation

Powless emphasized the motivating power of racing itself, stating, “Races are very motivating for me.” He will specifically support Luke Lamperti, aiming for sprint successes, and Michael Leonard, targeting a climbing stage victory. He intends to use the race to improve his own fitness in preparation for later spring competitions.

Lamperti, 23, brings a strong track record as a three-time USPro criterium national champion and demonstrated his speed with a third-place finish at Nokere Koerse last year while riding for Soudal-QuickStep. Leonard, at just 21, is a two-time Canadian time trial national champion, showcasing versatility across different terrains. Both riders recently competed in the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

Expert Insight: Powless’s willingness to prioritize team support during his recovery period demonstrates a level of maturity and strategic thinking often seen in seasoned professionals. This approach allows the team to capitalize on the strengths of its newer riders while Powless regains peak form.

The EF Education-EasyPost roster at the Tour de la Provence is rounded out by four riders from the EF Education-Aevolo development squad: Gavin Hlady, Tomos Pattinson, Magnus Carstensen, and Josh Golliker.

Looking Ahead

Powless anticipates a return to competitive form by the end of March, with a focus on one-day races in Belgium. This will follow a series of Italian races, including the Trofeo Laigueglia and Milano-Torino, alongside WorldTour events like Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo. He expressed a desire to compete in a full slate of Belgian classics, including E3, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Amstel Gold, Paris-Roubaix, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

He acknowledged that his performance prior to Belgium may be less focused on personal results, viewing it as a crucial period for building fitness and supporting his teammates. He believes the time off due to injury could ultimately provide “freshness for the classics.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neilson Powless’s role at the Tour de la Provence?

Neilson Powless will be supporting teammates Michael Leonard and Luke Lamperti in their pursuit of stage wins, rather than focusing on his own results due to a recent knee injury.

Who are Michael Leonard and Luke Lamperti?

Michael Leonard is a 21-year-old Canadian time trial national champion, while Luke Lamperti is a 23-year-old American and three-time USPro criterium national champion.

When does Powless expect to be competing for wins again?

Powless anticipates being competitive again at the end of March, with a focus on one-day races in Belgium.

As Powless navigates his return to peak form and embraces a mentorship role, what impact do you think this shift in focus will have on the broader dynamics within the EF Education-EasyPost team?