New North American U19 Cycling Team Aims for Tour de France Glory
A new U19 cycling development team has been launched in North America through a collaborative effort by Zwift, Canyon Bicycles, and Pedal Mafia. This ambitious project is designed to identify and nurture young cycling talent from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the ultimate goal of producing a winner for either the Tour de France or the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift within the next ten years. This initiative marks a significant investment in the future of North American cycling, aiming to restore its prominence on the global stage.
The newly formed program will feature both men's and women's junior squads. These teams will participate in races across North America and Europe, providing young athletes with diverse competitive experiences crucial for their development. The announcement of this team has been met with enthusiasm, particularly given the long hiatus since a North American rider claimed victory in a major European tour.
Eric Min, CEO and Co-Founder of Zwift, emphasized the strategic importance of this venture, stating, "It has been over two decades since a North American cyclist stood atop the podium in Paris, and we are determined to change that narrative." He further highlighted North America's status as a pivotal cycling market, despite the dwindling presence of professional road racing. Min believes that establishing a world-class team is the most effective response to this challenge, underscoring a direct investment in the region's burgeoning talent pool alongside partners who share a vision for a more robust future for the sport on the continent.
A cornerstone of this team's prospective success is its robust financial infrastructure. The program will benefit from a dedicated foundation, initially funded by Min and sustained by long-term financial contributions from Zwift and private benefactors. This model is intended to counteract the financial instability that has historically plagued junior development programs, ensuring continuity and support for the athletes.
Min articulated the philosophy behind this sustained financial commitment, asserting that junior development demands a "generational commitment" rather than transient experimentation. He envisions the creation of an enduring platform for North American riders, one that is devoted to helping them realize their full potential both on and off the bike. The ultimate aim is to cultivate a legacy that extends far beyond the first champion to wear the Yellow Jersey in Paris.
Further bolstering the initiative, several prominent professional cycling organizations have pledged their support. WorldTour teams such as Alpecin–Premier Tech, Fenix–Premier Tech, and Canyon//SRAM will offer invaluable sporting assistance and establish a clear progression pathway for these young athletes to ascend to the highest echelons of professional cycling. Philip Roodhooft, General Manager of Alpecin–Premier Tech and Fenix-Premier Tech, expressed honor in bridging the gap between this developmental program and the WorldTour, expressing confidence that a future Tour de France champion from North America could emerge from this very system.
Veteran cycling director Roy Knickman, a former Olympian and professional rider with an extensive background with teams like La Vie Claire, Toshiba-Look, and 7-Eleven, will lead the team. Knickman's profound experience in nurturing junior talent will be instrumental in guiding the young athletes. The launch of this initiative is particularly timely, coinciding with renewed optimism for North American road cycling, propelled by the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the ongoing expansion of women's cycling. These factors provide compelling reasons to invest in the next generation of riders.
Canyon founder Roman Arnold articulated his enthusiastic support, stating, "For us, there is no better investment in cycling than the next generation." He added that when Min presented the concept, it was an unequivocal 'yes,' and Canyon is proud to be a foundational partner in the quest to discover North America's next Tour de France champion. Arnold also believes the team will serve as a model for community building and delivering value to sponsors within the contemporary social-first landscape.
The team is slated to officially launch later this year, with its inaugural European training camp scheduled for December, ahead of the 2027 racing season.