Will Barta to ride for EF Pro Cycling in 2021

EF Pro Cycling announced that Will Barta will be joining the team for the 2021 season.

“EF seems like a group that has a passion for the sport and performance, so I’m looking forward to being a part of that,” said Barta in the EF Pro Cycling announcement.

The 24-year-old from Boise, Idaho had been with the CCC Team for the 2019-20 seasons. However, with the knowledge that the team was shuttering after the current season, he was left scrambling for a pro contract when he started this year’s edition of the Vuelta a España.

And job security must have been an excellent motivator for him: Barta uncorked an amazing performance in the 33.7km time trial on stage 13. He topped the early best time and enjoyed a nice stint in the Vuelta’s “hot seat,” only to be overturned by eventual winner Primož Roglič, who bested Barta by just one second.

Barta is another graduate of the highly successful Hagens Berman Axeon team, on which he competed from 2015 through 2018. He rejoins former teammates Ruben Guerreiro, Neilson Powless, and Logan Owen all of whom raced under the direction of Axel Merckx, and now all of whom are at EF Pro Cycling.

Recognizing the experienced riders on the American-based squad, Barta called out Tejay van Garderen as a rider he’s long admired.

“He’s a rider I’ve always looked up to. I’m really looking forward to learning from him,” said Barta.

EF Pro Cycling has recently bolstered its lineup, adding Michael Valgeren, and confirming a recently recommitted Lachlan Morton. With GC stars Rigoberto Urán and Hugh Carthy, the team has built a competitive GC squad that is looking for grand tour stage wins and also overall podium performances.