Bold claim: American cycling is on the verge of a renaissance, and this time the comeback could be powered by homegrown leadership. But here’s where it gets controversial: a new US-based pro team is being formed at a moment when national momentum is still catching up to that promise.
The sport’s recent history in the United States hasn’t been easy. The shadow of the U.S. Postal era and Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal left a lasting dent, and the NA cycling scene fell short of its peak years. In recent times, however, notable American talents have started to lift the profile again. Names like Sepp Kuss, Quinn Simmons, Neilson Powless, and Matteo Jorgenson have emerged as key players striving to restore credibility and competitiveness on the world stage.
Among them, Matteo Jorgenson has solidified his position as a pivotal rider for Visma | Lease a Bike, distinguishing himself as one of the team’s most important figures. He’s arguably Jonas Vingegaard’s principal ally for the Tour de France, even potentially ahead of 2023 Vuelta winner Kuss. Yet while individual success grows, the broader system still needs fresh, robust American projects—especially with Lidl-Trek’s 2026 license shift to Germany signaling a space that could be filled by new domestic teams.
In this climate, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, founded by George Hincapie, could play a crucial long-term role. The team is set to race as early as 2026, and Jorgenson has spoken about the momentum a new U.S.-based organization brings to the sport locally.
“I’m excited to see it. It’s encouraging that there’s still genuine interest in road racing in the United States,” Jorgenson said with palpable optimism.
Could a U.S.-rooted team catalyze a broader revival of American racing?
Another big piece of the puzzle is the waning presence of traditional international events in the U.S.—iconic races like the Tour of Utah, Tour of California, and the Colorado Classic have disappeared or paused over the last decade. Today, only the Maryland Classic routinely attracts World Tour-level competition, and even ambitious plans to revive racing in Colorado have yet to bear fruit. The emergence of a new American ProTeam could thus act as a catalyst, offering fresh motivation for stakeholders to push forward with a broader strategy to reintroduce WorldTour racing stateside after years of decline.
Jorgenson remains hopeful that a homegrown ProTeam could shift the narrative by creating pathways for young American riders to turn professional within the United States itself.
“I’d love to see road racing thrive here again. Not having the Tour of California, Utah, or Colorado anymore feels like a real loss,” he noted as a rider for Visma | Lease a Bike. Returning to races he watched growing up would be a meaningful dream for him, and he believes Modern Adventure Pro Cycling could open doors for up-and-coming American riders who are now competing at the under-23 or junior levels to reach the pros here at home.
In short, the birth of a United States–based ProTeam might not only rejuvenate domestic competition but also accelerate opportunities for young American talent to rise through the ranks without needing to look overseas for pro opportunities. As the sport evolves, this could mark a turning point in how American cycling develops, competes, and resonates with fans across the country.
What are your thoughts on the potential impact of a new American pro team? Do you think it will truly spark a sustained revival of U.S. road racing, or are deeper structural changes required to restore the country’s cycling reputation? Share your perspective in the comments.
