George Hincapie is back? American reportedly set to form UCI ProTeam for 2026

Could George Hincapie be set to make a return to European cycling? Well, according to the latest reports, the 51-year-old American is in the process of forming a UCI ProTeam for the 2026 season.

A key domestique for Lance Armstrong, Hincapie rode 17 Tours de France in his career. Much like his compatriot however, his reputation has since been badly tarnished in the cycling community by an admission of doping. In 2012, Hincapie admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during part of his career, as part of the investigation into Lance Armstrong and widespread doping in cycling. As mentioned though, he could now be coming back to the pro peloton. 

"A new US men’s team is being assembled for 2026, with George Hincapie involved in the setup and ownership. We understand that the squad will aim for UCI ProTeam status next season, which is one step below the WorldTour," reveals the respected British cycling journalist Daniel Benson in his SubStack. "The management includes former rider George Hincapie and his brother Richard, who managed the former Hincapie Racing Team in the US. The brothers will be the team owners, and Hincapie Sports will provide the team's clothing."

Although things are clearly moving along, the early stages of the development also means that some aspects of the team remain unclear. "Other members of the management structure include Ty Magner, who currently races for L39ION of Los Angeles, and Joey Rosskopf. Both Magner and Rosskopf came through the ranks as young riders on the Hincapie development team over a decade ago," Benson continues.

"Some of the details are still emerging. For example, it’s not clear who the title sponsor of the team will be, but we understand that recruitment has already started for next year," he also explains. "The team plans to base itself in Girona, Spain, and have a roster of 20 riders - the minimum for a second-tier team - with at least half of the roster comprising U.S. riders. Sources have confirmed that the team is likely to be announced to the public next week."