Episode 174: George Hincapie is Changing American Cycling

In this episode of King of the Ride, host Ted King sits down with George Hincapie to discuss his latest venture: Modern Adventure Pro Cycling (MAP), a new American professional cycling team making waves in Europe. Recorded in Belgium ahead of Paris-Roubaix, the conversation traces Hincapie’s journey from his storied career as a domestique for Lance Armstrong to his current role as team lead and co-owner of MAP. The team, backed by the boutique travel company Modern Adventure and based in Girona, Spain, has already secured invitations to major races like the Tour of Catalonia and Paris-Roubaix—rare for a first-year team. Hincapie emphasizes building a strong team culture, long-term sustainability, and giving American riders a platform to race at the highest level. He also reflects on the evolution of pro cycling, the rise of data-driven training, and the growing talent in American cycling, including his son Enzo, who is now a top junior prospect with Red Bull. The episode captures a pivotal moment in American cycling, with Hincapie at the helm of a mission to rebuild national pride in the sport through innovation, infrastructure, and legacy. Key takeaways include: 1) The importance of long-term planning and culture over short-term results in building a sustainable pro team; 2) The growing accessibility of elite racing for American cyclists through new teams like MAP; 3) The critical role of data, nutrition, and performance science in modern cycling; 4) The power of family and mentorship in developing young talent; 5) The strategic value of international bases like Girona for American teams; 6) The need for American teams to gain visibility through high-profile races like Paris-Roubaix; 7) The importance of balancing ambition with realistic expectations in a first-year team; and 8) The emotional weight of legacy—Hincapie’s mission is not just about wins, but about creating a new chapter for American cycling.