Online fitness platform Zwift has announced the creation of a new North American U19 junior development racing team. Formed in partnership with German bicycle manufacturer Canyon and Australian cycling apparel brand Pedal Mafia, the project will field both men’s and women’s squads.
The multi-national development program will recruit junior riders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to compete across high-profile racing calendars in North America and Europe.
The ambitious project launches with a clear ten-year sporting objective: to develop and position a North American rider onto the top step of the Tour de France general classification podium within a decade. The initiative aims to revitalize the pathway for young talent on the North American continent, building infrastructure alongside established UCI WorldTour organisations to elevate the visibility of junior-level road cycling.
The introduction of the development pathway arrives at a transitional period for North American road racing. The region has experienced a decline in domestic professional events, moving away from the prominent eras of Greg LeMond, Andrew Hampsten, and Steve Bauer, whose European performances historically pushed the sport of cycling into mainstream culture.
With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games approaching and women’s professional cycling experiencing growth – supported by the ongoing Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift partnership – the founding corporate partners are structuring the program to capitalise on renewed international interest.
Eric Min, CEO and Co-Founder of Zwift, said “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. 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.”
To ensure operational continuity, the development team will be anchored by a dedicated foundation. Financed through long-term commitments from Zwift alongside private donors, the foundation is structured to provide sustained financial backing for elite coaching, sports science, travel logistics, and equipment. The endowment model is designed to insulate the program from the brief sponsorship cycles that can traditionally create financial instability within grassroots cycling development.
Roman Arnold, Founder of Canyon, said “For us, there is no better investment in cycling than the next generation. 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.”
The sporting pathway is reinforced by elite competitive links. The team has secured formal development partnerships with prominent professional operations, including Alpecin–Premier Tech, Fenix–Premier Tech, and the Canyon//SRAM women’s WorldTour squad. These partnerships are designed to establish a direct vertical bridge from the junior ranks into the elite European professional peloton.
Philip Roodhooft, General Manager of Alpecin–Premier Tech and Fenix–Premier Tech, noted “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. We are honored that Alpecin–Premier Tech and Fenix–Premier Tech will bridge between this program and the WorldTour.”
Management of the athletic program will be overseen by Team Director Roy Knickman. The veteran cycling official and former Olympian offers extensive experience in talent identification, having previously competed within the European professional peloton for iconic teams such as 7-Eleven and La Vie Claire.
The junior development program will officially launch later this year. The initial full team assembly and introductory training camp are scheduled to take place in Europe in December, preparing the selected roster for the start of the 2027 international racing season.
www.zwift.com
www.canyon.com
www.pedalmafia.cc
