Imagine a talented young rider rediscovering his spark after a tough setback – that's the story of Leo Hayter, making waves as he rejoins the peloton with a fresh team that's poised to redefine American cycling. But here's where it gets intriguing: will this bold new venture capture the essence of cycling's adventurous spirit, or is it just another gamble in a sport full of them? Stick around to explore the full roster and see what makes this team tick.
British cyclist Leo Hayter is set to be part of the 20-strong lineup for Modern Adventure Pro Cycling in 2026, as announced by co-founders George and Rich Hincapie. This marks a solid step forward for the team's entry into the UCI ProTeam category, where teams compete at the highest levels of professional racing, aiming for major events like the Tour de France within five years or less.
Out of the 20 riders, 12 hail from the United States, showcasing a strong homegrown focus. Leading the charge are experienced pros like Robin Carpenter, a seasoned rider with a wealth of knowledge from years on the circuit; Scott McGill, known for his consistent performances; and Tyler Stites, another veteran bringing tactical depth to the squad. Most riders – 18 in total – have secured two-year contracts, while Hayter is signed specifically for 2026, allowing him flexibility as he rebuilds his form.
Rich Hincapie, the team's general manager, shared some heartfelt insights about Hayter: 'I think we are a good programme for him on his way back. There's no pressure; he can take his time finding that talent back. He’s a real diamond in the rough.' It's a sentiment that highlights the team's supportive environment, perfect for nurturing potential without the relentless demands of top-tier teams.
Diving deeper into the roster, four riders are transitioning from Project Echelon Racing, with McGill at the helm. He's racked up an impressive six podium finishes, including two victories at the Volta a Portugal – a challenging multi-stage race that tests endurance across varied terrains. Joining him is Sam Boardman, who clinched the King of the Mountains title at last year's Tour of Rhodes, showcasing his climbing prowess; Kieran Haug, the 2025 Tour of the Gila General Classification winner, proving his dominance in American stage races; and Hugo Scala Jr, who secured sixth place overall at the Tour de Beauce, a race famous for its rugged Quebec hills.
Speed demons are also on board with Cole Kessler, the reigning USPro men's Under-23 time trial champion at 22, moving from Lidl-Trek Future Racing – time trials, for beginners, are races where cyclists compete individually against the clock on a set course, requiring pure power and aerodynamics. Then there's Brody McDonald, the 2024 US men's Under-23 time trial silver medalist from the Golden State Blazers, adding another layer of precision to the team.
The squad is brimming with emerging talent too. Nineteen-year-old Ezra Caudell from Team California brings youthful energy, while 23-year-old Sean Christian of Team Skyline adds versatility. Samuel Florez, the dual Under-23 road race and Individual Time Trial champion from Colombia, injects international flair, and 22-year-old Ian López de San Román from EF Education-Aevolo rounds out the young guns. Even younger is 18-year-old Harry Lasker from EF Education-ONTO, hinting at a long-term investment in the future.
Internationally, the team draws strength from South Africans Stefan De Bod (formerly with Terengganu Cycling) and Byron Munton (from Feirense-Beeceler), who bring resilience from diverse racing backgrounds. New Zealanders Paul Wright, the national road race champion with Factor Racing, and Ben Oliver from MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project, offer more global perspectives – Oliver, for instance, won a stage at Tour de Beauce and snagged eight podiums in 10 races at the Tour of America's Dairyland, securing the General Classification title there, which means he finished first overall after accumulating times across stages.
From Great Britain, Mark Stewart shifts from ProTeam Solution Tech-Vini Fantini, where he placed fourth at the Tour of Japan and triumphed at the Tour of Kumano, demonstrating his ability in Asian circuits. Twenty-one-year-old Lucas Towers, with three seasons at Caja Rural-Alea, has four wins in hilly one-day races across Spain, perfect for training in varied elevations. Canadian Riley Pickrell, after five years with Israel-Premier Tech, has stage wins at the Sibiu Cycling Tour and Tour de l'Avenir under his belt, adding tactical smarts to the mix.
Rich Hincapie expressed the emotional core of this project: 'To see Modern Adventure Pro Cycling come to life is deeply meaningful. It's the culmination of years of George and I dreaming about creating a team that embodies the spirit of American cycling - bold, creative and united by purpose.' It's a vision that resonates, blending adventure with professional ambition.
The team's first gathering kicks off in early December in Greenville, South Carolina – home base for the Hincapies' ventures like Hincapie Sportswear and Hincapie Events. There, they'll handle bike fittings and meet with most of the staff, including directors Howes, Magner, and Rosskopf. A winter training camp follows from January 10 to 22, 2026, in Girona, Spain, a hotspot for cyclists known for its challenging climbs and ideal weather for building fitness.
Modern Adventure Pro Cycling stands as one of two US-based programs, alongside Team Novo Nordisk, to have filed the necessary documents for UCI approval. The official team list will be released by the UCI on December 10, 2025. For comparison, Novo Nordisk has also finalized a 20-rider squad for their 17th season as a UCI Professional Continental or ProTeam, which is the minimum number required for such status – think of ProTeams as the elite clubs competing in Grand Tours, with a focus on talent development and global visibility.
Here's the complete 2026 roster for Modern Adventure Pro Cycling:
- Sam Boardman (USA)
- Robin Carpenter (USA)
- Ezra Caudell (USA)
- Sean Christian (USA)
- Stefan De Bod (RSA)
- Samuel Florez (COL)
- Kieran Haug (USA)
- Leo Hayter (GBR)
- Cole Kessler (USA)
- Harry Lasker (USA)
- Ian López (USA)
- Brody McDonald (USA)
- Scott McGill (USA)
- Byron Munton (RSA)
- Ben Oliver (NZL)
- Riley Pickrell (CAN)
- Hugo Scala (USA)
- Mark Stewart (GBR)
- Lucas Towers (GBR)
- Paul Wright (NZL)
- Tyler Stites (USA), pending release from Caja Rural
And this is the part most people miss – with such a mix of young and international talent, is this team prioritizing innovation over immediate wins? But here's where it gets controversial: some might argue that betting on 'diamonds in the rough' like Hayter is risky in a sport where experience often trumps potential. Others see it as a refreshing shift toward nurturing creativity in American cycling, away from the traditional European dominance. What are your thoughts? Does this roster excite you, or do you think it's too experimental for success? Share your opinions in the comments – do you agree with the Hincapies' vision, or disagree that adventure beats pure performance? Let's discuss!
