Modern Adventure Pro Cycling celebrated a significant milestone this week, achieving its first European victory at the Tour de Wallonie. New Zealander Ben Oliver surged to a spectacular sprint win on Stage 2, marking a pivotal moment for the team in its inaugural season and underscoring its rapid ascent in the professional cycling world.
The race unfolded under challenging weather conditions, with rain and strong winds testing the resilience of all competitors. Oliver, despite a brief but critical misstep when his foot unclipped in the closing moments, demonstrated remarkable composure. His teammates, Riley Pickrell and Paul Wright, played a crucial role, skillfully guiding him back to the forefront within the final kilometer. From there, Oliver launched a powerful sprint, crossing the finish line first and securing an emphatic victory.
This triumph at the Tour de Wallonie represents the third victory for Modern Adventure Pro Cycling in its debut season. Earlier in the year, Samuel Flórez secured a win at the Tour de Gila, and Stefan de Bod claimed the national time trial title in January, setting a strong precedent for the team's capabilities. Oliver's performance not only earned him the stage win but also the coveted overall race lead, thanks to valuable time bonuses. Additionally, teammate Samuel Flórez proudly maintained his King of the Mountains jersey, a testament to his breakaway efforts on the opening stage.
Following his win, Oliver expressed immense satisfaction, remarking on the collective effort: "We were aiming for stage victories this week, and to achieve it while George Hincapie was present was an incredible way to conclude a wet and windy day at the Tour de Wallonie. The entire team supported me throughout the day. Riley and I were well-positioned for the sprint, and then he and Paul expertly navigated me out of trouble with 1500 meters remaining. We got the job done. A fantastic day for the team."
This achievement is particularly meaningful for Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, an American team founded by former professional cyclist George Hincapie. Hincapie's vision for the team is ambitious: to establish a sustainable pathway for developing riders and to reach the Tour de France within five years. The team's inaugural roster for 2026 was carefully assembled, blending seasoned professionals with promising young talents, all chosen for their commitment to teamwork, strong team culture, and dedication to rider development.
Ty Magner, the team's directeur sportif, highlighted that the victory was a culmination of months of hard work, emphasizing the team's commitment and mutual trust. He noted, "We've been telling the team for months to commit to each other, to commit to the strategies, to commit to being a cohesive unit, and the results would naturally follow. From the very first day in AlUla, the riders showcased their potential, and it's taken just six months to achieve our most significant victory in Europe." Magner also lauded Oliver's remarkable progress, pointing out that the 29-year-old, who was competing in criteriums in the United States just last season, is now contending with WorldTour sprinters. "I am also exceptionally pleased for Ben... providing him with these opportunities is a core reason this team was established. We will savor this moment!" The Tour de Wallonie is a UCI 2.Pro stage race, spanning five stages across the picturesque Wallonia region of southern Belgium.
This success story at the Tour de Wallonie not only solidifies Modern Adventure Pro Cycling's presence on the European cycling scene but also reinforces its founding principles. The team's ethos, centered on fostering a supportive environment for rider growth and collective achievement, has clearly paid dividends. Ben Oliver's sprint victory, achieved through grit and impeccable teamwork, serves as a powerful testament to the potential of this ambitious new outfit. With early season wins and a clear trajectory, the future looks bright for George Hincapie's Modern Adventure Pro Cycling as they continue their journey towards the sport's highest echelons.