American cycling has been in a slump for years, and it’s time to face the hard truth: the sport’s glory days in the U.S. seem like a distant memory. The fallout from the U.S. Postal scandal and Lance Armstrong’s disgraced legacy stripped the nation of its cycling pride, leaving a void that’s been tough to fill. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the challenges, a new wave of talent—riders like Sepp Kuss, Quinn Simmons, Neilson Powless, and Matteo Jorgenson—are stepping up to reignite the spark. Jorgenson, in particular, has emerged as a key figure at Visma | Lease a Bike, even outshining some of his more celebrated teammates as Jonas Vingegaard’s go-to lieutenant for the Tour de France. But here’s where it gets controversial: with Lidl-Trek shifting to a German license in 2026, the U.S. is left with just one WorldTour team, raising questions about the sport’s future in the country.
Enter Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, George Hincapie’s bold new venture, which could be the lifeline American cycling desperately needs. Set to debut in 2026, the team has already sparked optimism among riders like Jorgenson, who sees it as a crucial step toward revitalizing the sport in his homeland. In an interview with Domestique, Jorgenson shared his enthusiasm: ‘It’s exciting to see that there’s still interest in road racing here. It’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction.’ But this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about creating teams—it’s about rebuilding the ecosystem that once made American cycling thrive.
The disappearance of iconic races like the Tour of California, Tour of Utah, and Colorado Classic has left a gaping hole in the U.S. cycling calendar. Today, the Maryland Classic stands as the lone WorldTour event in a country that once hosted multiple high-profile races. Efforts to revive events like the Colorado Classic have yet to bear fruit, leaving fans and riders alike wondering: Can American cycling ever reclaim its former glory?
Jorgenson’s optimism is palpable, but he’s also candid about the challenges. ‘It’s heartbreaking to see the state of road cycling in the U.S.,’ he admitted. ‘The loss of races like the Tour of California and the Tour of Utah feels like a missed opportunity.’ For him, the return of these events isn’t just nostalgia—it’s about inspiring the next generation. ‘I remember watching the Tour of California in my grandfather’s hometown as a kid. That memory stuck with me and fueled my dream of becoming a pro. Teams like Modern Adventure Pro Cycling are crucial because they give young riders a pathway to the pros,’ he explained.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Can a single team—or even a handful of them—reverse decades of decline? And what will it take to bring WorldTour racing back to American soil after more than half a decade of absence? Jorgenson’s hope is infectious, but the road ahead is far from certain. What do you think? Is American cycling on the brink of a comeback, or is it too little, too late? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
