NSN sign top American talent Artem Shmidt from Netcompany INEOS on three-year deal

Artem Shmidt will leave Netcompany INEOS for NSN at the end of this season. The 22-year-old American joined the British team midway through 2024 after coming through the highly regarded Hagens Berman Jayco development program, but has not yet truly established himself at INEOS. With his new team, he hopes to get the opportunity to make full use of his considerable qualities.

Shmidt arrived at INEOS in 2024 as one of several highly rated American prospects, and he remains very much in that category today. This year, he claimed his breakthrough professional road victory at the Classique Dunkerque, while he has repeatedly demonstrated his strength against the clock. Most notably, he became the U.S. time trial champion again this year, confirming his reputation as one of America's most exciting young time trial specialists.

Even so, Shmidt will probably have hoped for more from his seasons with Netcompany INEOS. He has yet to make his Grand Tour debut and, when selected for major races, has often been asked to work in support of other riders. That appears to be one of the main reasons behind his decision to leave the British team when his contract expires and sign a three-year deal with NSN.

In a press release, NSN proudly confirmed Shmidt's arrival, with the American expected to play an important role within the team's future plans thanks to his attacking instincts. The team describes him as “one of the peloton’s promising time trial talents and a versatile engine for the Classics and stage races.”

General Manager Kjell Carlström has high expectations for his new signing. “Artem Shmidt is one of the most exciting talents to come out of the US in recent years and we believe he represents a rider profile we don’t currently have in the team,” Carlström said. “Artem already has some very clear qualities, particularly in the time trial, but what excites us is how much more he can develop over the next three seasons.”

Carlström also believes there is significantly more to come from the 22-year-old after only two seasons at WorldTour level. NSN want to continue his development and discover how far he can progress not only against the clock, but also in one-day races and stage races. His signing also fits the team's wider strategy of balancing young talent with more experienced riders.

NSN want to provide Shmidt with the environment he needs to develop into a major rider. “There were many things that stood out to me about NSN Cycling Team,” the American explained. “The professionalism and the way the team came across in our meetings were important but what really made an impact was the culture. The English-speaking environment and the atmosphere in the team were big factors for me and the racing style is more my type of beat. Being up the road, attacking, and on that front foot is the mentality that we share.”

That attacking approach is precisely what Shmidt believes suits him. “I really look forward to seeing what potential I can reach with NSN,” he added. “I’ve already shown some strengths in the time trial and I want to keep developing further and hopefully become one of the favorites in that category.” The move should therefore give him more freedom to sharpen the aggressive and opportunistic style he has already displayed during his young career.

“In terms of my development in the road racing, I believe NSN is the perfect team for me to develop an aggressive and opportunistic racing style and really sharpen those characteristics I have shown as a rider,” Shmidt continued. “My big objectives will naturally be the time trials and spring Classics, but I would love to do my first Grand Tour.”