The road to professional cycling is rarely a smooth one, and for Mattia Agostinacchio, the journey has been a rollercoaster. The young Italian, once a junior cyclocross world champion, made the leap to the WorldTour with EF Education-EasyPost in 2025. But his debut season has been a challenging one, marked by setbacks and a struggle to find his footing. Despite this, his team, led by sports director Sebastian Langeveld, remains optimistic about his potential.
Agostinacchio's journey began with a bang, winning the junior cyclocross world championship in 2025. However, his transition to road racing hasn't been as straightforward. The team's decision to promote him directly to the WorldTour was a bold move, but one that has faced challenges. Agostinacchio's health issues, including a viral infection, have impacted his performance, resulting in multiple DNFs and a struggle to regain his form.
Langeveld, a veteran of professional cycling, sees these setbacks as an essential part of the learning curve for young talents. He believes that the ability to cope with adversity is a crucial skill for any aspiring cyclist. "It was a setback in his career, but it's also something young riders have to experience," he says. "These setbacks are sometimes useful for coming back stronger, but also for knowing how to deal with them in the future."
Despite the rough start, Langeveld remains confident in Agostinacchio's potential. He envisions the Italian as a force in the Classics, drawing on his strong five-minute power and kick, similar to the likes of Van der Poel and Van Aert. The plan is to build his endurance and confidence gradually, with a focus on stage racing in the summer, including the Tour de l'Ain and Czech Tour, before a potential trip to the United States.
The road ahead for Agostinacchio is a delicate balance between pushing his limits and avoiding further setbacks. Langeveld's strategy is to "move forward slowly" with the young talent, ensuring he gains the necessary experience and strength. This approach reflects a broader understanding in cycling that sometimes, taking a step back can be the best way to move forward.
As Agostinacchio continues his journey, the question remains: can he turn his struggles into strength and become the force in cycling that his talent suggests he could be? The answer lies in his ability to learn from his setbacks and embrace the challenges that come his way.
