Zwift to Launch North American Junior Team with Tour de France Ambitions

Zwift will launch a men’s and women’s junior cycling team for 2027 to develop North American talent, according to a company press release. The initiative aims to place a rider from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico on the Tour de France podium within 10 years through long-term financial backing and a planned endowment.

The team officially launches later in 2026. It’ll be supported by Zwift, bike brand Canyon, and clothing brand Pedal Mafia. Additional “sporting pathway and support” will come from Canyon-SRAM, Alpecin-Premier Tech, and Fenix-Premier Tech.

Roy Knickman, a former La Vie Claire rider, will serve as sports director. Knickman previously managed the Lux/CTS junior development team until its closure in 2022.

Why is Zwift investing in North American junior cycling?

Eric Min, co-founder and CEO of Zwift, stated that it has been over 20 years since a North American rider stood on the top step in Paris. Min said the company is committed to changing that, noting that professional road racing has “all but disappeared” in North America despite it being a major cycling market.

A Zwift press release noted that the sport currently lacks the visibility and financial support it had during the eras of Steve Bauer, Andrew Hampsten, and Greg LeMond. The company believes the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the growth of women’s cycling make this the right time to invest.

Did You Know? There are currently only six men’s UCI races and five women’s UCI races across the United States and Canada.

How will the team be funded and managed?

Zwift founder Eric Min is building the team to ensure long-term success rather than a short-term sponsorship. The project is backed by private donors and Zwift, with the goal of establishing an endowment to fund coaching, equipment, and athlete development.

Min stated that junior development cannot be a “two-year experiment” and requires a generational commitment. This financial structure is intended to remove the year-to-year uncertainty that has historically limited similar programs.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that moving from a standard sponsorship model to an endowment represents a strategic shift toward stability. By decoupling athlete development from annual corporate budgets, the program may avoid the sudden closures seen in previous North American development squads.

What is the current state of road cycling in North America?

While the region lacks a structured road racing pathway to Europe, several North American riders are currently successful. Kristen Faulkner and Magdeleine Vallieres are the current world and Olympic road race champions, respectively. Canada’s Isabella Holmgren is also noted as a serious GC contender.

Team 3R – Zwift Racing League Week 1 : Hell of the North (TTT)

On the men’s side, Sepp Kuss is a Grand Tour winner, and Isaac del Toro has earned a Giro d’Italia podium. Other top stage racers include Derek Gee-West and Matteo Jorgenson, while Matthew Riccitello and Quinn Simmons are active on the WorldTour stage.

What happens next for North American riders?

The new team may provide a clearer professional pathway for youth riders to follow the examples of Del Toro or Jorgenson. It’s possible the team will race in both North America and Europe to bridge the gap to the sport’s heartland.

The project could complement existing partnerships, such as EF Education-Aevolo’s work with its WorldTour counterparts. However, the future of other partnerships, like Hot Tubes U23 and Netcompany Ineos, remains unclear after Ineos launched its own U23 squad for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Zwift junior team begin racing?
The team is set to launch for the 2027 season, with an official launch occurring later in 2026.

Which nationalities can join the team?
The team will field male and female riders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Who is leading the sporting direction of the team?
Former La Vie Claire rider Roy Knickman has been recruited as the sports director.

Do you think a dedicated endowment is the best way to sustain professional sports development in North America?