A New Hope for Cycling in the USA: Matteo Jorgenson's Take on George Hincapie's Venture
Cycling in the United States has faced a challenging period, especially since the scandal involving Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal team. The sport has been in a downward spiral, but there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Despite the setbacks, several talented American cyclists have emerged, including Sepp Kuss, Quinn Simmons, Neilson Powless, and Matteo Jorgenson. Jorgenson, in particular, has risen to prominence as a key figure in the Visma | Lease a Bike team, often supporting Jonas Vingegaard, the 2023 Vuelta winner.
However, the lack of American teams is a concern, especially with Lidl-Trek's upcoming transition to a German license in 2026. This is where George Hincapie's new venture, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, steps in to potentially revolutionize the sport in the USA.
"It's an exciting development," Jorgenson shared with Domestique. "I'm thrilled to see the interest in road racing in the USA still alive and well."
But here's where it gets intriguing: Will this new team be the catalyst for a cycling renaissance in the USA?
The disappearance of traditional international events from the USA, such as the Tour of Utah, Tour of California, and Colorado Classic, has left a void in the cycling landscape. The Maryland Classic remains the sole WorldTour race in the country, with other initiatives failing to gain traction.
Jorgenson's optimism about Modern Adventure Pro Cycling is palpable. He believes it could be the driving force behind bringing WorldTour racing back to the USA, a goal that has eluded the cycling community for over half a decade.
"I'm passionate about the idea of road cycling thriving in the USA. The absence of professional races, especially iconic ones like the Tour of California, is a real loss," Jorgenson expressed.
For Jorgenson, the dream is not just about reliving his childhood memories of watching the Tour of California; it's about creating opportunities for the next generation of American cyclists. He sees Modern Adventure Pro Cycling as a gateway for young talents to turn pro within the USA.
"I remember watching the Tour of California live in my grandfather's hometown. It's a memory that inspires me to this day. Having teams like Modern Adventure Pro Cycling is a step towards providing a path for the younger generation to pursue their cycling dreams," he concluded.
So, will Modern Adventure Pro Cycling be the game-changer the USA cycling scene needs? Only time will tell, but Jorgenson's enthusiasm is certainly a positive sign.
