After extending his contract, Healy suddenly has other goals at EF: “Ben is handling it well”

“Ben Healy will lead EF Education-EasyPost into the coming era,” the team wrote. “The Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey wearer signed a long-term contract to race with our squad through 2029. What sets Ben apart is not just his list of results, though. Ben’s methodical, critical approach to bike racing makes our entire team better.”

The praise continued in the same vein. “He pushes us to keep questioning how to go faster,” EF added. “Ben’s willingness to attack pro cycling’s hardest races from far out and make his moves stick inspires all of his teammates and fans around the world.”

For his part, Healy stressed that the atmosphere inside the squad is a major reason why he is happy to commit long-term. “I’m close mates with the guys on the team, and that creates an infectious atmosphere that brings everyone closer together,” Healy said. “It’s not just us guys, it’s everyone, all the staff. There’s not a race or a training camp you go to where you are disappointed to be there.”

“It’s always good fun and the dinner table’s always a great laugh. We spend so many days on the road, so that is super important. It makes you work that bit harder for each other,” he said. That role inside the team now comes with an added responsibility: guiding younger riders and setting the tone for the next generation at EF.

“That comes with pressure, but Ben handles it with aplomb. He wants to be a role model for his teammates,” the team wrote. CEO Jonathan Vaughters, meanwhile, made it clear that EF see Healy as a genuine leader — despite his relatively young age.

“Ben is what we want as a leader,” Vaughters said. “He is thoughtful and always seeking to improve. Most importantly, he is always willing to risk. Our team has and always will be built on the outsider willing to take a chance. Ben is that.” As for Healy himself, he does not expect a dramatic shift in how he approaches the sport — even if his status within the organisation is changing.

“I just need to continue being myself,” he explained. “I want to lead by example. I want to go about it how I always have done. I love the process of getting better… I have grown so much as a rider and really refined my craft. I’ve never lost the hunger for it.” And, in classic Healy fashion, he finished with a reminder that for him the work is the point — the results are the reward at the end of it.