George Hincapie's newly formed American UCI Pro Road Team, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, is on the verge of its international debut at the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia. With a long-term vision extending to the Tour de France within five years and a commitment to nurturing American talent, the team is set to face world-class competition. Hincapie stresses the importance of team unity and rider development over immediate wins, viewing any early success as an added bonus. The roster blends seasoned domestic professionals with promising young cyclists, reflecting the team's dedication to growth and a fresh approach to professional cycling.
American Cycling Team Gears Up for Global Stage
In the coming days, the freshly established American UCI Pro Road Team, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, will embark on its maiden journey into high-level international competition. The team, spearheaded by cycling veteran George Hincapie, is poised to participate in the prestigious AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia. This significant event marks a crucial early test for the nascent squad, which, despite boasting a talented roster, isn't focused on instant triumphs.
Hincapie shared with Cycling Weekly that securing an invitation to an ASO-organized race as a first-year team is a considerable achievement. He acknowledged the formidable competition, stating, "We're not taking this lightly. We understand we'll be up against prominent names." His primary objective for the team's debut is not victory but rather for the riders to demonstrate cohesion, mutual trust, and a unified racing strategy. Hincapie expressed his satisfaction with the team's formation, highlighting the strong group of riders and staff that has come together, emphasizing that the project has been "full gas" since its inception last June, involving extensive travel, numerous meetings, and continuous efforts to build a credible and sustainable team.
Modern Adventure embodies Hincapie's long-term strategy for the sport, aiming for a Tour de France appearance within half a decade, with at least 50% of the roster composed of American cyclists. This ambitious goal is underpinned by a pragmatic framework featuring a clear structure, seasoned leadership, and a long-term outlook that prioritizes sustainability over rapid results. Hincapie's decision to re-engage with professional cycling, a scene that has largely struggled to maintain momentum in the U.S., was driven by the project's extended commitment, offering an eight-year timeframe for meticulous planning without undue pressure for immediate wins.
The team's management and performance structure is a testament to trust and experience, bringing together figures from American cycling's recent past. Bobby Julich serves as the performance coach, with former WorldTour pros Alex Howes and Joey Rosskopf, along with domestic stalwart Ty Magner, taking on directuer sportif roles. Factor Bikes has also joined as a long-term partner, with David Millar personally contributing to the team's development. Addressing the skepticism often associated with this era of cycling, Hincapie maintains a forward-looking perspective. Having openly acknowledged his past, he views negative comments as motivation, believing he is an integral part of cycling's evolution towards a cleaner culture. He proudly notes that his 17-year-old son, on the cusp of a professional career, will not face the same ethical dilemmas he once did, attributing this change to advanced technology, training, and nutrition that have rendered past questionable practices obsolete.
While the familiar faces are behind the scenes, the rider lineup intentionally features less-known names, a deliberate choice by Hincapie to foster untapped potential. The roster of 21 includes 12 Americans, from experienced domestic riders like Robin Carpenter and Scott McGill to young talents just starting their international journeys. The team strategically combines riders who have navigated team closures, those transitioning from development programs, and emerging stars. Hincapie highlighted riders such as Canadian sprinter Riley Pickrell, Brit Leo Hayter (returning after addressing mental health challenges), South Africans Stefan De Bod and Byron Munton, and promising young Americans Cole Kessler and Ezra Caudell, all of whom he believes have significant future potential. Drawing on his experience with teams like BMC, Hincapie understands that success requires not only financial backing and strong leadership but also a positive team culture where enjoyment balances the sport's rigorous demands.
Hincapie views the current fragile state of American road cycling, marked by disappearing races and limited development pathways, as an opportunity rather than a barrier. He hopes that a team rich in American talent will revitalize the sport in the U.S., attracting more participants and spectators. He emphasizes the inherent excitement and unpredictability of cycling, combining elements of danger, strategy, and athleticism that make it uniquely compelling. The team's racing calendar is flexible, encompassing events in Europe and North America, including rebuilding races like the Maryland Cycling Classic and the Philly Cycling Classic, with the ultimate goal of increasing visibility and representation for American cycling.
From a journalist's perspective, George Hincapie's Modern Adventure Pro Cycling project represents a compelling narrative of redemption and revitalization within the cycling world. His willingness to acknowledge a controversial past while actively striving to shape a more ethical future for the sport is both brave and inspiring. The emphasis on long-term development, team cohesion, and nurturing American talent offers a refreshing counterpoint to the often-results-driven nature of professional sports. It highlights a crucial shift in focus, where the foundation of trust and a supportive environment are deemed as important as podium finishes. This venture could serve as a beacon for aspiring cyclists and a model for sustainable team building, proving that passion, combined with integrity and a forward-thinking approach, can indeed pave the way for a new, healthier era in cycling.