"Start of the Tour de France within 5 to 6 years" - American legend Bobby Julich takes key role in Modern Adventure Pro Cycling

The ProTeam division sees a new team this year in Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, the USA's newest top team which is aiming to race the Tour de France within the next decade. It is led by George Hincapie, but another former pro, Bobby Julich, will have an important role in guiding the American riders and more during the adaptation period.

"Taking a step back was good, but I never stopped following every race I could," Julich said to Cyclism'Actu. "When the opportunity arose with George and Richard Hincapie, two of my oldest friends in cycling, to create a new team and reopen the path to Europe for American riders, I was immediately interested. When George and I turned professional, the road to Europe was like a four-lane highway. For the past ten years, it has shrunk considerably. Our goal is to expand it again and offer young people the opportunities our generation enjoyed. It's a true return to our roots".

Julich is a rider that has in his past a lot of performances at the top of the cycling world and this will be key to guiding the team. "I'm the performance manager," he confirmed. The 54-year old has wins at Paris-Nice and the Renewi Tour in his palmarès and podium results at the Tour de France; as well as the Olympic Games and World Championships in the time trial discipline. Now, after many years away from the sport at a meaningful level, he returns to take on his new role in the brand new team.

"George, Richard (the Hincapie brothers, ed.), and I strive to make the best possible decisions. We've recruited some remarkable individuals and interesting riders, some of whom may be a little inexperienced, but they're motivated and ready to give 100%. We have a sponsorship commitment of at least six years, which allows us to build organically, without the immediate pressure of results".

The team features exciting young prospects such as Leo Hayter and Cole Kessler, or former Israel - Premier Tech Riley Pickrell who are sure to be some of the team's headliners and already hopes for the future; whilst its present is already being rewarded, as the team has for example already received its first World Tour wildcard for the Volta a Catalunya.

"We're starting from scratch: no omnipresent owner, no undue pressure from sponsors, no rules inherited from past decades. It's up to the riders and staff to write the team's history. My main wish is that the team generates enthusiasm, especially for American cycling, that it projects a healthy and professional image, and that the riders enjoy themselves," he adds.

Julich has a big long-term goal for the team which seeks to be at the top level within the next few years. "Performance will come with time. The ultimate goal is clear: to be at the start of the Tour de France within five to six years".

"Our priority is to generate excitement, both for our riders and for new fans, especially in the United States. Our team is 50–60% American, but also includes young international talent who will help us achieve our goals. We know this project is a marathon, not a sprint. We will be less well-equipped, less experienced, but ready to learn and improve".

This could prove to be absolutely key project to the American cycling scene, which has suffered a lot throughout the past decade, losing both races and teams at the top level.

"When I was young, there were races every weekend in the United States. The calendar was packed and of high quality. Today, it's practically empty. Without races, it's hard to inspire new talent," he argues. "Some Americans are already shining in the World Tour, but they've had to go through an extremely difficult path. And what about the level just below the elite? These riders are often forgotten. Coming to Europe on their own is very complicated". The same applies to Australia, but the Team Jayco AlUla project helps immensely; whilst the USA has EF Education-EasyPost, however with only four American riders signed this year.

"Unless you're exceptionally talented, it's very difficult to leave your country, your family, your environment. If we can support these young riders and offer them opportunities, anything becomes possible. Matteo [Jorgenson] wasn't the best in the junior or under-23 categories, but he worked hard and believed in himself. Today, he's one of the best riders in the world," Julich pointed out.

"If we develop riders and big teams are interested in them, we will sometimes have to let them go for budgetary reasons. But seeing more Americans in the Tour de France and the biggest races is a success in itself".