George Hincapie’s New U.S. ProTeam to Launch in 2026

U.S. Cycling Needs a Reboot

Over the last decade, the landscape of American professional road cycling has shifted—and not in a good way. Several domestic teams have folded. Rider development pipelines have dried up. For many young cyclists in the U.S., the road to a pro career now seems to run exclusively through Europe, often without adequate support.

By 2024, only a handful of U.S.-registered UCI ProTeam's remained active, and the gap between domestic races and international competition continued to widen. Without strong local teams, the U.S. scene risks losing its next generation of competitive talent—and its connection with homegrown fans.

Fewer Opportunities, Slower Growth

Cyclists coming out of college programs or local development squads have limited choices. Either fight for one of the rare spots on a European team or stagnate in a shrinking domestic circuit. That’s not just a missed opportunity for athletes—it’s a problem for the entire ecosystem.

A lack of mid-level pro teams means fewer race days, less visibility, and reduced sponsor interest. Young riders burn out or drop out. Fans disengage. And cycling, once a sport on the rise in the U.S., risks slipping further behind.

This isn’t a hypothetical concern. Case in point: when Holowesko-Citadel, a successful Continental team led by the Hincapie brothers, shut down in 2020, several riders were left scrambling for contracts. A similar fate hit Rally Cycling and Jelly Belly. These weren’t small teams—they were the backbone of U.S. Road racing.

A Big Move in U.S. Cycling

In May 2025, former pro cyclist George Hincapie officially announced plans to launch a new U.S.-based UCI ProTeam for the 2026 season. This is more than just another cycling squad—it’s a strategic move to rebuild the U.S. presence in pro cycling.

George Hincapie’s new U.S. ProTeam to launch in 2026 is already making headlines across the cycling community. It marks a key moment for American road cycling, which has seen a decline in domestic teams competing at the international level over the last decade. The announcement isn’t just about forming a new team—it’s about building a pathway for American riders to compete at the highest levels.

For those who don’t know, George Hincapie is one of the most recognizable names in U.S. cycling. A 17-time Tour de France veteran and former national champion, Hincapie's experience spans decades. Along with his brother Rich Hincapie, George has been active in rider development since his retirement through Hincapie Sportswear and the Holowesko-Citadel team, which competed as a Continental squad until 2020.

In this post, we’ll break down what the 2026 launch means, who’s involved, and what impact it could have on American cycling long-term.

The Team Announcement: What We Know So Far

The new U.S. pro cycling team for 2026 was officially announced in May 2025 through several industry media outlets and during an event at the Hincapie headquarters in South Carolina. George and Rich Hincapie are the main forces behind the team, aiming to field a UCI ProTeam ready to race by the start of the 2026 season.

The Hincapies stated their intention to create a sustainable model that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins. According to initial reports, the team will begin its application for UCI ProTeam status in late 2025 to meet the registration deadline for the 2026 calendar.

This launch is more than just a return to pro cycling for the Hincapies; it’s a strategic attempt to fill the current void in U.S.-based professional road teams that can develop talent domestically and still compete internationally.

Who’s In: Key Riders and Staff

Three notable names are already tied to the project: Alex Howes, Joey Rosskopf, and Ty Magner. All three have either retired or are near the end of their racing careers and are transitioning into team leadership roles.

Alex Howes: Former EF Education-Easy Post rider and U.S. National Champion. Howes is expected to take a mentoring and scouting role within the new team.

Joey Rosskopf: A two-time national time trial champion and former rider for Rally Cycling and BMC. Rosskopf brings European racing experience and is likely to assist in technical and training matters.

Ty Magner: A sprinter with years of experience in criteriums and domestic stage races. His role will focus on U.S. races and tactical development.

All three are expected to serve as player-coaches—assisting with both talent development and race-day performance. Together, their involvement shapes a leadership team that is deeply rooted in American racing but understands what it takes to compete abroad.

Why This Matters for American Cycling

The number of U.S.-registered UCI teams has decreased in recent years. With the dissolution of teams like Jelly Belly, Rally, and Holowesko-Citadel, American riders often face the choice of racing in Europe or falling off the radar.

George Hincapie’s new ProTeam could reverse that trend. It offers an accessible steppingstone for domestic riders with international ambitions.

A homegrown team reduces the barriers to entry.

More riders will have structured support and racing opportunities without relocating to Europe.

It also allows fans to engage with American cycling on home soil.

In short, this isn't just a launch—it's an intervention in a cycling ecosystem that’s lacked support for its next generation.

Funding, Backing, and Vision

While full sponsor details haven’t been released, early reports suggest a mix of private investment and brand partnerships, including support from Hincapie Sportswear and longtime cycling sponsors. The Hincapies are also reportedly in talks with regional businesses that want to promote healthy lifestyles and community sports.

The team’s racing plan includes both domestic and select European events. The goal isn’t to go World Tour immediately, but to earn results in UCI 2.1 and Pro Series events that can build credibility and attract young talent.

This model is consistent with the earlier success of Holowesko-Citadel, which helped launch riders like Brendan Rhim and Robin Carpenter into bigger teams.

It’s clear that the vision isn’t to create a super team—it’s to create a reliable development pipeline.

What’s Next: Timeline to 2026

Here’s what the roadmap looks like over the next year and a half:

Location: The team will be headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, home to Hincapie’s family business and past development programs.

Q3 2025: UCI ProTeam application submission and licensing

Q4 2025: Training camps begin, roster finalized

January 2026: First official races, likely starting with U.S. events like the Tour of the Gila or Redlands Classic

Spring/Summer 2026: Entry into select European stage races and 1-day classics

Recruitment is already underway. The Hincapie brothers have hinted at combining youth from U.S. collegiate programs with experienced riders looking for one more competitive season.

The team will also invest in a dedicated performance staff: nutritionists, mechanics, race directors, and a data analysis unit to modernize rider development.

U.S. Team A Comeback Moment?

For George Hincapie, this launch feels personal. After retiring from racing, his focus shifted to business and development. But with this team, he’s stepping back into the professional cycling arena—this time, not to ride, but to build something lasting.

The cycling community has responded with cautious optimism. Many remember the rise and fall of previous U.S. teams and are watching to see if this project can create long-term stability.

The Hincapies aren’t making big promises. They’re sticking to a plan rooted in what they know: consistent racing, smart leadership, and gradual growth. It might be just what U.S. cycling needs.

Fans, racers, and even rival teams are already asking the same question: can this new team be the foundation American cycling has been missing?

2026 will be the year we find out.