In a bold move to rejuvenate North American cycling, Zwift, Canyon, and Pedal Mafia have unveiled a pioneering U19 development team with the ambitious goal of placing a North American rider atop the Tour de France podium within the next decade. (news.zwift.com)
A Vision for the Future
Zwift CEO and Co-Founder Eric Min highlighted the pressing need for such an initiative, stating, “It has been over twenty years since a North American rider stood on the top step in Paris, and we are committed to change that.” (news.zwift.com)
Strategic Partnerships
The program boasts strong backing from Canyon, which will provide state-of-the-art bicycles, and Pedal Mafia, supplying the team with high-quality apparel. Additionally, the team will receive guidance from veteran director Roy Knickman, a former Olympian and professional rider with extensive experience in developing junior talent. (news.zwift.com)
Long-Term Commitment
Emphasizing the project’s longevity, Min remarked, “Junior development cannot be a two-year experiment. It has to be a generational commitment.” This initiative aims to establish a permanent platform for North American riders, ensuring sustained support and development opportunities. (news.zwift.com)
Collaborative Support
The team will also benefit from the expertise of established WorldTour teams, including Alpecin–Premier Tech, Fenix–Premier Tech, and Canyon//SRAM, which will provide sporting and pathway support. (news.zwift.com)
Looking Ahead
The team is set to launch later this year, with its first full team camp in Europe planned for December, ahead of the 2027 racing season. (news.zwift.com)
This initiative marks a significant step toward revitalizing North American cycling and fostering the next generation of champions.
Highlights:
- ZWIFT PARTNERS WITH CANYON AND PEDAL MAFIA TO LAUNCH JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT TEAM BUILT TO PUT A NORTH AMERICAN RIDER BACK… | Zwift Newsroom, Published on Wednesday, June 10
- ‘An American on the top step of the Tour de France’ – Zwift, Canyon and Pedal Mafia launch new U19 development team, Published on Thursday, June 11
- Zwift and Canyon launch junior team that aims to accelerate North American riders to men’s and women’s Tour de France success, Published on Thursday, June 11