EF Education-EasyPost boosted by the return of 'unlucky' American rider just in time for Il Lombardia

Powless had big ambitions for 2026, from the spring classics to the major stage races and Grand Tours. However, the American had to undergo knee surgery in February after he developed inflammation in his left knee. The surgery was successful, but Powless was sidelined for ten weeks. After that, he had to start all over again from scratch.

However, that wasn’t all, as Powless revealed to Eurosport ahead of Thursday’s Gran Piemonte race. “I’ve had an awful lot of bad luck this season—knee surgery, a broken shoulder, and I’ve been sick a few times. I’m finally feeling good again, so hopefully I can finish the season strong.”

Powless won Gran Piemonte in 2024 and lined up at the start on Thursday with high hopes. “The Italian races suit me well; they’re more open and often tactical.

In the Coppa Bernocchi (on Monday, ed.), I felt like my old self again for the first time this season. But we had a fast sprinter in the group behind us, so I mainly focused on neutralizing the race.”

In the Gran Piemonte and the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday, Powless hoped—and still hopes—to make another big impact.

He’s already won a stage in this year’s Tour of Austria, but he’s already shown with major victories that he’s capable of much more. “The fact that I was right there on Monday felt really good. Hopefully I can keep this up and compete for the wins.”