Martin and Punchard Find New Homes

The end of Cannondale Factory Racing after the 2026 season is causing a stir in the transfer market. With Luca Martin and Cole Punchard, two top riders from the previous roster have now found new teams. Both have signed two-year contracts with the French Decathlon Ford Racing Team, effective in 2027.

The 24-year-old Frenchman Luca Martin is among the most successful riders of the past season. He won both the overall World Cup title in Short Track and in Olympic Cross Country. Canadian Cole Punchard also made his breakthrough in the elite ranks in 2026. He underscored his potential by winning bronze at the World Championships in Val di Sole.

Decathlon Ford is switching to 32-inch wheels

The change coincides with a technical realignment of the team. Starting in 2027, the Van Rysel performance brand will replace the current Rockrider bikes. With the new RCR-XC, the manufacturer is opting for 32-inch wheels and promises advantages in weight, speed, and aerodynamics.

Martin and Punchard strengthen the men’s roster, while the team continues to rely on Samara Maxwell and Savilia Blunk on the women’s side. Joshua Dubau, on the other hand, is leaving the team.

Neff and Aldridge are looking for new teams

The future remains uncertain for other Cannondale riders, including Jolanda Neff. The Swiss Olympic champion had only joined Cannondale in 2025 and, following the team’s dissolution, is once again facing a change. Her management is in talks with potential teams and sponsors. Where Neff will race in 2027 remains to be seen.

The situation is similar for Charlie Aldridge. The British European Short Track Champion bid farewell to the Cannondale factory team at the World Cup finals in Lake Placid with a victory in the cross-country race. He is considered one of the most sought-after riders on the transfer market. A move to another major factory team is expected, though nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

Portuguese rider Ana Santos, a multiple national champion in various cycling disciplines, has also not yet announced a new team for 2027.

While this means two of Cannondale’s most prominent riders have secured new teams, the rider merry-go-round is likely to keep spinning in the coming weeks. The competitive futures of Jolanda Neff and Charlie Aldridge, in particular, remain intriguing.