George Hincapie confirms plans to create 'America's dream team' 🇺🇸
New American team will aim to attract US talent and race the Tour de France in five years 'or less'
As we first reported last week, George Hincapie aims to return to cycling management with what he hopes will be a new UCI ProTeam, named Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, in 2026.
Hincapie has been working on the project for the last five months, and although he has not announced his roster for next season, he has secured the financial backing of Modern Adventure as the team’s title sponsor. The team will race on Factor bikes and use SRAM components. Hincapie Racing will provide the team with apparel, and the race schedule will include events in America and Europe.
As we reported, the team will have a roster comprising around 50 per cent US riders and will have a base in both the US and Girona, Spain. It’s expected that the roster will have around 20 riders.
The management structure is extensive, with Hincapie and his brother, Richard, at the top of the pyramid. George is the founder and team lead, while Richard is also a founder and the GM.
Dustin Harder is listed on the team’s website as the owner and ‘number one fan’. Luis Vargas is a co-founder and the provider of the title sponsor, having founded the Modern Adventure brand. There are also management roles for Bobby Julich, Alex Howes, Joey Rosskopf and Ty Magner.
“It’s wild to be back in this position; it’s a different position from being a rider, but I’m very excited and nervous to be embarking on this project, but most of all, very passionate. We’re starting what we feel is the renaissance of American cycling and what we hope will be America’s dream team, and be racing in the Tour de France, hopefully in five years or less,” Hincapie told the media during a press conference.
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"Our goal is clear: to build the nation's team, a squad that inspires fans and competes fearlessly on the world stage," Hincapie added.
“Within six years, we want the Modern Adventure Pro Cycling Team to be synonymous with excellence, racing in the Tour de France with the best U.S. riders and contending for victories. We're here to spark a new golden era with a fresh, authentic approach."
According to Hincapie, it was Harder who approached him with plans to set up a new US-backed team during a ride over the Paris-Roubaix cobbles. Hincapie was keen on the idea if the project met specific criteria.
"One, I needed a long-term commitment in order to build a strong foundation and a following and ultimately create a project that we’re all really proud of. I wanted a long-term plan and a long-term commitment from partners, and Dustin agreed to it. From there, we started building the foundations of the team,” Hincapie said.
“We have no illusions that’s going to happen overnight, but we have a long runway to get it done, and we know what we need to do. We’re going to work our asses off to make it happen,” he added.
We understand that several riders in Europe and the US are in the process of negotiating with the team. Some of the riders in talks with the team include Robin Carpenter, Owen Cole, Cole Kessler from Lidl-Trek’s development team, and Scott McGill and Samuel Boardman, who both race for Project Echelon.
Hincapie’s son, Enzo, who is racing for the EF Education - ONTO squad, will not join his father’s team in 2026.
“We are so proud to be the title sponsor of a team that reflects our core values - purpose, courage and the spirit of adventure. Together, we know that the journey is the destination, and we are inviting cycling fans around the world to join us from day one,” said Vargas.
"This is a unique moment. We're not just building a team; we're building a movement," added General Manager Rich Hincapie.
"We have a chance to build something that's not just competitive, but meaningful—a team that reflects the best of who we are as riders and as a nation. Our riders will race with heart, supported by a culture of teamwork and innovation. We want every fan to feel proud when they see Modern Adventure Pro Cycling in the peloton."
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