Rui Costa

Portuguese veteran Rui Costa brings a wealth of experience and racing savvy to EF Education-EasyPost. The former world champion and three-time Tour de France stage winner will be a great mentor for our younger riders. With his cool head and tactical wits, he will show them how to turn opportunities into victories on the road. The best way to do so will be by winning himself.

Rui had a great season in 2023. He won the Japan Cup and a stage of the Vuelta España, as well as a stage and the general classification at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. In total, Rui has crossed finish lines first 32 times during his 18-year career.

It all started when he was a kid, heading out for his first rides with his dad, who was also a cyclist, near their hometown of Póvoa de Varzim in Portugal. That’s where Rui first learned the tricks that brought him success in the biggest races, including his rainbow world-champion’s jersey.

Nowadays, Rui still lives in Portugal, with his wife who is from the island of Madeira. That’s where Rui and his family like to head when they have time to relax. Rui brings his bike and goes training on the quiet roads through the semi-tropical forest by the seaside. He is grateful that he has had the chance to make his living doing the sport he loves most.

Always a fierce competitor, he is excited to do his favorite thing of all this year: win bike races.

Fun Facts

What is your favorite climb? What makes it special?
Alpe d’Huez. What makes it special is the fact that only great cyclists have won there.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
It would be for the island of Madeira where I spend some time during the year. My wife is from that same island. It's an island above the Canary Islands and has a fantastic climate where I spend a lot of my time training.

Who is your favorite athlete in any sport? What do you admire about them?
Ayrton Senna! Because he improved a lot in Formula 1. He was a unique driver on the track with a style that had never been seen before.

What is your favorite word in your native language? What does it mean? What do you like about it?
Obrigado. Thanks!! It means being grateful. I really like to thank everyone for feeling very supported.

Date of birth: 10/05/1986
Hometown, Country: Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and English