Richard Carapaz’s high-profile move from EF Education-EasyPost to NSN Cycling was born of economic necessity, according to EF team boss Jonathan Vaughters, who has confirmed the transfer was "not forced" by the rider.

Carapaz has been the US team’s star rider over the past four seasons, finishing on the Giro d’Italia podium in 2025 and also in the top 10 of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, while winning nine races including three Tour stages.