At the start of the season, EF Pro Cycling launched its new U23 development team, EF Education–Aevolo, watched Lachlan Morton expand on his groundbreaking Far Beyond calendar, and motivated its elite men’s and women’s squads to compete among the world’s best in professional cycling.
Now, with the same spirit of innovation and excellence, the team has announced its latest project — a three-rider cyclocross program that will compete throughout the upcoming ‘cross season, featuring two new signings and one of its most versatile athletes.
EF Pro Cycling Introduces New Cyclocross Lineup
The new EF Pro Cycling Cyclocross Team will feature Nina Berton, a former U23 Luxembourg cyclocross champion, alongside new recruits Filippo Agostinacchio and his younger brother Mattia Agostinacchio.
Berton joined EF Education–Oatly at the start of 2025 and quickly became a key member of the women’s team. Mattia, the junior cyclocross world champion, is set to join the men’s WorldTour team in 2026. His older brother, Filippo, brings impressive credentials — a Giro d’Italia Next Gen stage winner, two-time U23 Italian cyclocross champion, and cyclocross World Cup veteran.
A Bold Move into Cyclocross
EF Pro Cycling CEO Jonathan Vaughters said:
This is a fun experiment for us, but one that we want to excel at.
From the start of the Alternative Calendar with Lachlan Morton, we’ve always done experimental things that push the boundaries. This is a continuation of that philosophy. We believe cycling should be as inclusive as possible, and launching a cyclocross team allows us to connect with a whole new audience. Starting with a junior world champion, Mattia, his brother Filippo, and Nina feels like a great foundation.
We’re working hard to make sure our athletes are thoroughly supported and set up for success.
Mattia Agostinacchio Targets the Cyclocross World Championships
After recently competing at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, Mattia Agostinacchio is eager to shift his focus to cyclocross as the season kicks off in the coming weeks. The Italian will participate in a full race program leading into next year’s Cyclocross World Championships.
Mattia said:
This is a really exciting new team, and I can’t wait to get started. It’ll be my first time racing in the EF Pro Cycling kit and on a Cannondale bike. As a world champion, cyclocross is incredibly important to me, and I want to give it everything. Racing for EF in cyclocross will also help me develop and prepare for the 2026 road season. Having my brother and Nina on the team makes it even more special.
Nina Berton Strengthens Her Cyclocross Roots
For Nina Berton, the new cyclocross initiative offers a valuable opportunity to stay connected to her roots in the discipline. The former U23 national champion regularly uses cyclocross in the winter to stay sharp and improve her technical bike-handling skills. With EF Pro Cycling’s support, she will now enjoy a full and structured program, with her complete race calendar to be announced soon.
Nina said:
When the team told me about the idea, it was a bit of a surprise, but it sounded really enjoyable. Cyclocross teaches you so much that translates to road racing. In Luxembourg, most riders come up through cyclocross as part of their development. I’ve never done a full season, but it’s always been part of my off-season, and I’m excited to do more this year. With the team’s support, it’s going to be even more fun and rewarding.
EF Pro Cycling Looks Ahead to an Exciting Cyclocross Season
With its new cyclocross program, EF Pro Cycling continues to build on its tradition of innovation and inclusivity in professional cycling. The team’s commitment to supporting diverse disciplines and developing young talent reflects its broader mission to expand the sport’s reach and inspire new audiences.
Fans can look forward to an exciting winter as Nina Berton, Filippo Agostinacchio, and Mattia Agostinacchio take on the world’s best in cyclocross.
Get ready for an exciting winter of cyclocross with EF Pro Cycling!
Photo courtesy of EF Pro Cycling featuring team member Nina Berton.
