A new chapter in American cycling is about to be written! George Hincapie, a name synonymous with cycling excellence, has unveiled the roster for his brand-new ProTeam, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling. This announcement marks a pivotal moment, promising to inject fresh energy and ambition into the sport.
The team, comprised of 20 riders, is a vibrant mix of talent from both sides of the Atlantic, predominantly featuring American and British cyclists. Notably, the squad includes two riders with experience on WorldTour teams, adding a layer of seasoned expertise to the mix. Modern Adventure Pro Cycling's website describes the team as "a bold group united by talent, grit, and a shared vision for the future of the sport." They aim to build a team "on purpose, camaraderie, and the belief that progress happens when you ride for something bigger than yourself."
Eleven of the 20 riders hail from the United States. Among them is veteran Robin Carpenter, formerly of Human Powered Health and L39ION of Los Angeles, who British fans will recognize as a stage winner at the 2021 Tour of Britain. Cole Kessler and Ian López, both Americans, join Modern Adventure Pro Cycling after honing their skills in WorldTour development squads. Kessler, 22, spent the last two years with Lidl-Trek Future Racing, while López, also 22, was with EF Education-Aevolo last season.
Representing Great Britain are Leo Hayter, Olympian Mark Stewart, and Lucas Towers. Mark Stewart is a member of Great Britain's track squad, and Lucas Towers is the brother of Alice Towers, who will soon be riding for EF Education-Oatly.
Hincapie's vision for the team, announced in June, is ambitious: to compete in the Tour de France within five years. He expressed his excitement and passion for this project, hoping to spark a "renaissance of American cycling."
But here's where it gets controversial... Hincapie, who rode in 17 Tours de France, was retroactively disqualified from three after admitting to doping. This raises questions about the team's future and the impact of past controversies.
Co-managing the team with his brother, Rich, Hincapie has assembled a strong support staff. The team's sports directors include former US national road champions Joey Rosskopf and Alex Howes, along with ex-pro Ty Magner. Bobby Julich, a Tour de France podium finisher, will serve as the team's performance director. Julich previously held a coaching role at Team Sky but left after disclosing his own history of doping.
The full 2026 squad is:
- Sam Boardman (30, USA)
- Robin Carpenter (33, USA)
- Ezra Caudell (19, USA)
- Sean Christian (23, USA)
- Stefan de Bod (28, South Africa)
- Samuel Florez (20, Colombia)
- Kieran Haug (23, USA)
- Leo Hayter (24, Great Britain)
- Cole Kessler (22, USA)
- Harry Lasker (18, USA)
- Ian López (22, USA)
- Brody McDonald (23, USA)
- Scott McGill (27, USA)
- Byron Munton (26, South Africa)
- Ben Oliver (28, New Zealand)
- Riley Pickrell (24, Canada)
- Hugo Scala (27, USA)
- Mark Stewart (30, Great Britain)
- Lucas Towers (22, Great Britain)
- Paul Wright (27, New Zealand)
What are your thoughts on Hincapie's new team and their goals? Do you think they can achieve their goal of competing in the Tour de France? Share your opinions in the comments below!
