George Hincapie returns with Modern Adventure and a bold plan for US cycling
George Hincapie is stepping back into the spotlight with a new ambition that reaches far beyond nostalgia. The former classics specialist is building the Modern Adventure team into a platform for American talent, with the aim of reigniting interest in the sport at home.
Speaking to bici.pro Hincapie outlines his clear vision for Modern Adventure. “I want to create the American dream team. It will take a lot of time. I feel the same way I did when I signed with Motorola at nineteen. I want to prove I can build a highly successful team and help bring cycling back to life here in America.”
He explains that the ambition goes beyond sporting results and touches on the future of cycling in the US. “We have incredible American riders, but they are spread across Europe and do not get the attention they deserve. The audience numbers in the US are going down. I want to rebuild a top tier team that American fans can support.”
The 2026 roster of Modern Adventure reflects that ambition. Eleven of the current twenty riders are American and that balance will stay. “We want at least fifty percent of the team to be American. Other teams have a US license but maybe one or two American riders. We want to do something different. We will choose riders from all over the world, but the core will always be American.”
Modern Adventure plans to race wherever invitations are available in Europe or the Middle East, while still appearing at key US events. As a second division team, it has no guaranteed starts, so Hincapie is travelling widely to build relationships and secure opportunities.
“Of course we want to race in America, but there are not many events. We will do what is available, but our focus will be the European calendar.”
Despite his long friendship with Lance Armstrong, Hincapie is clear that the project stands on its own. “We are in touch for the podcast, but the team is completely separate. I look for sponsors in other ways.”
The signing of Leo Hayter is one of Hincapie’s biggest bets. “He is incredibly talented and comes from a cycling family. I know how hard the sport is, especially mentally. When I saw the chance to bring him into a less stressful environment with great equipment and training, I took it. I hired Bobby Julich to lead performance.”
Hincapie says the goal is to give Hayter space, confidence and the right tools. “We will all work to reduce pressure and help him reach his level again or even better. It is a risk for him to join a new small team and it is a risk for us too, but we agreed to work for the best outcome. I am very excited he is with us. Cycling does not always give people many chances. I want to be someone who can offer one.”
Hincapie also hopes to reconnect with Italy. “I am reaching out to friends with connections to organisers there and Maurizio Fondriest has contacted me and is helping. I want to race in Italy and do everything possible to earn invitations. If the chance comes we will also bring Italian riders.”
Looking at today’s cycling, he sees a completely different sport from the one he left. “We trained by feel. Today everything is calculated. Training, fueling, recovery, sleep, hydration, power numbers. There are fewer guesses. Everyone knows exactly what they need to do. Cycling is technically more advanced and many sports look to it for recovery and training methods.”
As the team begins its journey, Hincapie’s goals are clear. “We need to build the image and branding, give riders chances in the best races. I do not want to sound arrogant, but I know we will race to win five events. It will be difficult, but I want impact. I want the riders to show up knowing they have the best equipment and the best coaches and I want them to improve. I want them to become better cyclists through our program.”
