A New Hope for American Cycling: Matteo Jorgenson's Warm Welcome to George Hincapie's Vision
The state of cycling in the United States has been a cause for concern, especially after the dark chapter involving the U.S. Postal team and Lance Armstrong's doping scandal, which led to the stripping of his seven Tour de France titles. This incident cast a long shadow over the sport, causing a significant decline in its popularity and participation in the country.
However, there are signs of revival, with young American cyclists like Sepp Kuss, Quinn Simmons, Neilson Powless, and Matteo Jorgenson leading the charge. Jorgenson, in particular, has risen through the ranks to become a key figure for the Visma | Lease a Bike team, often supporting their leader Jonas Vingegaard, even ahead of the 2023 Vuelta winner Kuss.
But here's where it gets interesting: the United States is in dire need of more cycling teams, especially with one of its WorldTour teams, Lidl-Trek, transitioning to a German license in 2026. This is where George Hincapie's new project, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, steps in, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of American cycling.
Modern Adventure Pro Cycling is set to make its debut in 2026, and its creation has already sparked excitement among American cyclists. In an interview with Domestique, Matteo Jorgenson shared his enthusiasm for the new team and its potential impact on the sport in his homeland.
"It's fantastic to see this kind of initiative. The interest in road racing in the United States is still alive, and that's a great sign," Jorgenson began, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
The decline of American cycling isn't just about the lack of teams; it's also about the disappearance of international cycling events from the country. Iconic races like the Tour of Utah, Tour of California, and Colorado Classic, which were once staples of the cycling calendar, have sadly been discontinued over the past decade. The Maryland Classic remains the only WorldTour race in one of the world's largest countries, and recent attempts to revive high-level cycling in Colorado have yet to bear fruit.
So, the birth of Modern Adventure Pro Cycling is not just about having another team; it's about reigniting the passion for cycling and providing a platform for young American cyclists to pursue their dreams professionally within their own country. Jorgenson, who watched the Tour of California as a child, understands the impact these races can have on aspiring cyclists.
"I grew up watching the Tour of California, and the memory of seeing it live in my grandfather's hometown still inspires me. Having teams like Modern Adventure Pro Cycling is a huge deal because it opens doors for young riders to turn pro right here in the United States," he explained.
Jorgenson's excitement is palpable, and his words highlight the importance of initiatives like Modern Adventure Pro Cycling in reviving and sustaining the sport of cycling in the United States. Will this new team be the catalyst for a cycling renaissance in America? Only time will tell, but for now, the future looks brighter with each new development.
