Decathlon Ford Racing Will Add Two Riders in 2027
Luca Martin and Cole Punchard will join the eight-rider roster for the upcoming two-season contract period.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cycling
Luca Martin and Cole Punchard are joining the Decathlon Ford Racing Team for the 2027 season. Both athletes transition to the squad following the closure of their previous team, Cannondale Factory Racing.
Why it matters
The acquisition of these two riders expands the Decathlon Ford Racing Team roster to eight cyclists for the upcoming two-season term. This shift reflects broader changes in the professional cross-country circuit following the conclusion of the 2026 XC World Cup.
The Decathlon Ford Racing Team confirmed an eight-rider roster for 2027, including the addition of two riders signed to a two-season contract. The performance impact of their new equipment, which features 32-inch wheels, is under ongoing evaluation.
The players
Luca Martin
Professional cyclist formerly of Cannondale Factory Racing who joins the Decathlon Ford Racing Team in 2027.
Cole Punchard
Professional cyclist transitioning from Cannondale Factory Racing to the Decathlon Ford Racing Team.
Decathlon Ford Racing Team
A professional cycling organization that will field an eight-rider roster using Van Rysel equipment in 2027.
The details
The Decathlon Ford Racing Team will transition to the Van Rysel RCR-XC bike for the 2027 season. This platform utilizes 32-inch wheels and is engineered for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, with performance testing indicating a power savings of 15.5 watts at a speed of 35 km/h.
Timeline
The 2026 XC World Cup series concluded earlier this year.
The new riders join the team for the 2027 season.
Health Landscape
Professional cross-country cycling continues to evolve as teams integrate new aerodynamic technologies and rider development strategies. This transition follows the established competitive cycle of the XC World Cup series.
Cyclists looking to optimize their own performance should consult a professional bike fitter to discuss how equipment geometry influences power output and joint health. Understanding your current baseline metrics is a vital first step before making changes to your cycling setup.
The takeaway
The Decathlon Ford Racing Team is updating its roster and equipment to maximize efficiency for the 2027 season. Amateur athletes should prioritize comfort and bike fit metrics over marginal equipment gains when evaluating their own cycling performance.
Further reading
For more updates on professional racing and equipment standards, visit Cycling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pinkbike.
