Going Pro: The Data Behind Nathan Cusack's Journey From Juniors to EF Education-Aevolo

OVERVIEWNathan Cusack is an emerging talent in road racing, having won his first European race in 2025, racing for Team USA at Tour de l'Avenir, and ending the season by signing on with EF Education-Aevolo. Nathan has been a CTS Athlete coached by Adam Pulford for four years, and as he makes his transition to the U23 Elite ranks and a top international development team, it's time to take a look at what it takes to go from Junior to Pro in cycling. In Episode 281, Coach Adam Pulford and Nathan reveal the power numbers required to reach the podium in international U23 races, the progression of annual training hours required to go pro, and how the young rider learned the race craft necessary to win against the best in the world.Topics Covered In This Episode:Nathan's start in road racingProgression of annual training hours from Junior to ProPower outputs indicative of an emerging talent in road cyclingWhat wins races: race craft vs. power output?How to learn race craft in the United StatesJoining EF Education-AevoloResourcesNathan Cusack on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nathancusack_/EF Education/Aevolo Announcement: https://www.efeducationaevolo.com/racing/new-rider-alert-nathan-cusack-steps-up-with-ef-education-aevolo/Guest Bio:Raised in the Washington D.C. area and progressing from cyclocross to road cycling as a teenager, Nathan Cusack rode for DC Velo as a junior and Kelly Benefits Cycling Team as a U23. The 20-year-old had a breakthrough season in 2025, securing his first European road racing victory in Spain, making his debut in the prestigious U23 race, Tour de l'Avenir, and ending the year with a well-deserved 2026 contract with EF Education-Aevolo.Currently in his third year of studying at the University of Vermont, where he is pursuing a four-year degree in data science, he joins the EF Education-Aevolo team as a rider of genuine potential and a swift finisher.HOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete