Zwift issued a press release this morning with exciting news for North American cycling: the launch of a U19 junior development team with clear goals, long-term funding, and major brand/team backing. Read the full press release below…
Zwift, the global online fitness platform for cyclists, today announced the launch of a North American U19 junior development racing team created in partnership with bicycle brand Canyon and cycling apparel brand Pedal Mafia. The team will field both men’s and women’s squads of junior riders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will race in North America and Europe. The team has a clear ten-year mission: to put a North American rider on the top step of the Tour de France.
“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,” said Eric Min, Zwift CEO and Co-Founder. “North America is one of the most important cycling markets in the world, but professional road racing has all but disappeared here. Standing up a world-class team is our answer. We are investing directly in the next generation of North American talent, and are doing so alongside partners who share our belief that this sport deserves a bigger future on this continent.”
The new team arrives at a moment when North American road cycling lacks the visibility, fandom, and financial support it once enjoyed during the eras of Greg LeMond, Andrew Hampsten, and Steve Bauer, when their performances in the Tour de France lifted cycling into mainstream culture. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon and women’s cycling experiencing record growth (fueled in part by Zwift’s long-running partnership with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift), the founding partners believe the time is right to invest in the youth riders who will define the next decade of the sport.
“For us, there is no better investment in cycling than the next generation,” said Canyon founder Roman Arnold. “When Eric first brought us the idea, the answer was an easy ‘yes’ and we are proud to be the first brand to back his vision of finding North America’s next Tour de France champion. I also believe this team will teach all of us something about building community and delivering value to sponsors in the social-first era we now live in.”
Crucially, the team will be anchored by a foundation established by Eric Min. Backed by long-term financial support from Zwift and private donors, the foundation is designed to fund racing, coaching, equipment, and athlete development well beyond a typical sponsorship cycle, eliminating the year-to-year financial uncertainty that has historically constrained programs like this one.
“Junior development cannot be a two-year experiment. It has to be a generational commitment,” said Min. “That is why the long-term plan is to establish an endowment for our team. We are creating a permanent platform for North American riders, one dedicated to helping our athletes reach their full potential on and off the bike, and we plan for it to be here long after our first champion carries the Yellow Jersey into Paris.”
Founding partners include Zwift, Canyon, and Pedal Mafia, with sporting and pathway support from Alpecin–Premier Tech, Fenix–Premier Tech, and Canyon//SRAM. “Eric and his partners have set an ambitious goal, and it’s not possible to reach a goal this lofty without a clear pathway to the top,” said Philip Roodhooft, General Manager of Alpecin–Premier Tech and Fenix-Premier-Tech. “We are honored that Alpecin–Premier Tech and Fenix-Premier Tech will bridge between this program and the WorldTour, and we believe the next North American Tour de France champion could very well come through this program.”
The team will be led by veteran cycling director Roy Knickman, a former Olympian and professional rider who rode for the iconic La Vie Claire (alongside Greg LeMond), Toshiba-Look and 7-Eleven teams with deep experience developing junior talent.
The new junior team will officially launch later in 2026, with its first full team camp in Europe planned for December ahead of the 2027 racing season.
It’s somewhat odd that you have Kasia’s photo associated with Canyon – “Pro cycling transfers 2026/2027: Niewiadoma-Phinney to Lidl-Trek”
Agreed, sort of, but… I just used the images Zwift supplied. 😀 And her transfer hasn’t been officially announced, has it? Just very credible rumors at this point?
Well, I did use the word “somewhat” 😉
I believe its not allowed to announce transfers before August 1st.
I love it! This is what corporate social responsibility looks like. Kudos to Zwift, Canyon, Pedal Mafia, Alpecin, and Eric + the donors that are making this foundation possible. You’ve made the world a little bit better today
I’ve known Roy for decades and he’s a perfect choice to lead this squad. Chapeau.
Truly doubtful that a cycling brand would call themselves “Pedal mafia” and uses “famiglia” tight to it. And that both professional riders like Ewan and Canyon + Zwift want to be associated with a brand that glorifies the Mafia. I’m aware that not everyone is as well educated in the mafia. While non-american history isn’t as well taught on schools. (based in California) But reading into the works of Falcone and Borsellino, would be handy to understand this isn’t the way. Mafia kills societal structures, families and it kills everything it touches. There’s no famiglia in mafia, just a deadly criminal syndicate that has been plague.
I’m not a social justice warrior.
Well, if you think that the first statement is that it’s 20 yesrs since an North American stood at the top of the podium in the Tour and they want to change that. That rider was Lance Armstrong, so maybe mafia it’s accurate.
Well, it seems you’re venting a little bit. As a Californian as well and having to put up with the mafia running the state, e.g.Newsom, Bass, Pelosi, etc. I think the term mafia was used in a completely different context and my mind did not go where yours did.
Do You have another suggestion to replace the term mafia?
Just my 2 cents.
Feel free to leave California at any time if it all becomes to much to “put up with.” You wont be missed.
Is Zwift turning a profit now? I can’t find an article that says that e moved to a sustainable model but with the acquisition of Rouvy and now this can we assume they are?
They’ve been profitable for a while now, yes.
Good. I really like the program and without any news on their fiscal stability I’ve been wondering what’s going on.
I’m Surprised that they mention mentioned that after 20 years they want an american winning the tour and nobody has a problem. We are talking of Landis and the Armstrong era.. Wouldn’t be better mention Lemond 40 yesrs ago?
So Zwift Academy is finaly dead – sad.
Where or how do juniors apply?