With EF Education–EasyPost and Lidl–Trek in the WorldTour, and Team Novo Nordisk as a ProTeam, the United States currently has three major cycling teams. But if George Hincapie has his way, a fourth could be added in 2026. According to Daniel Benson, the 51-year-old former pro is planning to launch a new team, which would already begin operating as a ProTeam next year. This new team would officially take shape in 2026, with former rider George Hincapie and his brother Richard at the helm. Their goal is clear: to enter the sport as a ProTeam, the tier just below the WorldTour. The team kit is reportedly already sorted, the riders would be outfitted in cycling apparel from Hincapie Sports.
This would mark a return to team leadership for the Hincapie brothers, who were active nearly a decade ago as team managers of the Hincapie Sportswear Development Team, which became the Hincapie Racing Team in 2015. According to Benson, two familiar faces from that time could also join the new project. Americans Ty Magner and Joey Rosskopf, who raced under Hincapie back then, are expected to take on management roles in the new squad.
Read more below the photo!
Girona as a home base, Hincapie looking for 20 riders
According to Benson, the full details still need to be finalized, but some elements already seem to be taking shape. For instance, the title sponsor has yet to be secured, but the team appears to have chosen its home base: Girona, Spain. The plan is to assemble a roster of twenty riders there, which is the minimum number required for a team to operate as a ProTeam.
According to Benson, the official announcement would be made next week, although the British journalist does know that the new team is working on a six-year plan. This would give the Hincapies ample time to potentially secure a WorldTour license after three years, the long-term goal.
Benson adds that several riders have already been approached, including Robin Carpenter, Owen Cole, Cole Kessler, Scott McGill, and Samuel Boardman. All of them are American, in line with the team’s desire to be represented by American talent. Larry Warbasse, currently racing for Tudor, is also said to be a transfer target—though budget constraints may stand in the way of that.