Bold claim: Modern Adventure’s debut season already reshapes the pro peloton and fuels a bold, future-facing dream. Now let’s dive into what’s unfolding and why it matters.
The 2026 racing calendar has kicked off, and with it comes a closer look at Modern Adventure Pro Cycling. Regardless of what readers expected from their inaugural races, the early results mark a clear and objective success for the project.
One standout figure has dominated headlines: Byron Munton, the South African climber who burst onto the scene with a runner-up finish on the queen stage at the AlUla Tour. He currently sits in the top 15 overall at the UAE Tour following a punishing ride up the brutal Jebel Mobrah, where he outlasted seasoned pros and even challenged Remco Evenepoel at times.
But Munton isn’t the only rider seizing this chance with enthusiasm. His compatriot Stefan de Bod—formerly with Astana, EF, and NTT—found himself out of favor in the traditional pro ranks by late 2024 and landed with Terengganu, a Malaysian continental team. Yet De Bod clung to his aspirations, finishing fourth overall at the AlUla Tour and earning South Africa’s time-trial title mere weeks later.
There are more stories like these taking shape this season, all made possible by George Hincapie’s ambitious project. Hincapie can hardly hide his pride after the first months on the road: “Thirteen months ago, we decided to pursue this project, and now we’re here. What an adventure,” he told Sporza, reflecting on Modern Adventure’s first WorldTour race in the United Arab Emirates. “We’re competing in a WorldTour race with relatively unknown riders. It has exceeded our wildest expectations.”
So, can Modern Adventure live up to Hincapie’s dream?
The UAE Tour participation is more than a one-off; the team has attracted strong interest from major race organizers, who have already invited this “greenhorn” squad to potential marquee events, including the Monument Paris-Roubaix later this spring.
For Hincapie, Paris-Roubaix holds personal significance. It’s the race he nearly conquered several times, including a second-place finish in 2005. This year, he’ll lead his team into Roubaix with the aim of finally turning that dream into a success for Modern Adventure.
Beyond the cobbles, the plan is equally ambitious. Like any fresh ProTeam, Modern Adventure eyes the Tour de France. It may be audacious to expect a 2026–2028 breakthrough, but Hincapie believes the goal isn’t out of reach: “We want to go to the Tour. We’re giving ourselves five years.”
Leadership and mission extend beyond podium results. Hincapie envisions a broader impact: revitalizing American cycling by fostering more American riders and building a compelling national identity around the team. He’s candid about the challenge—he may not have all the answers yet—but the intent is clear: use the project to spark renewed interest in racing across the United States, complementing existing events like Maryland and the Philly Classics.
Returning to the peloton after years away, Hincapie describes the experience as profoundly meaningful. He feels honored and says the sport has given him a lot, and he hopes this venture can repay cycling by elevating the sport’s profile and opportunities in the U.S.
Thought-provoking takeaway: Modern Adventure’s debut isn’t just about a few results on the board. It’s a deliberate, multi-year investment in talent, race exposure, and a possible reimagining of American cycling. As the season unfolds, readers and fans will surely debate whether a new American ProTeam can crack the Tour and reshape the domestic scene. Do you think a team with relatively unknown riders can realistically contend for the Tour within five years, or is that timeline too optimistic? Share your thoughts in the comments.
