The World is My Oyster: Leo Hayter's Career Reboot at Modern Adventure Pro Cycling
In a bold move, 24-year-old Leo Hayter has embarked on a new chapter in his cycling career, joining the newly formed Modern Adventure Pro Cycling team based in the United States. This decision marks a significant transformation for Hayter, who is both a seasoned veteran with seven years of racing experience, including two-and-a-half seasons at the WorldTour level, and a young up-and-comer eager to establish his identity in the sport.
Hayter's talent is undeniable, having already achieved remarkable success in his career. He won the British U23 time trial national championships, claimed a bronze medal in the U23 ITT at the World Championships, and triumphed in prestigious races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the 'baby' Giro d'Italia. These accolades have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the cycling world.
The decision to join Modern Adventure Pro Cycling was influenced by the team's top management, including co-founder George Hincapie and Performance Director Bobby Julich, both former WorldTour riders. They recognized Hayter's untapped potential and believed he would be a valuable asset to the team, which is set to race with a UCI ProTeam licence in its inaugural season in 2026.
Hayter's journey to the team began with a four-hour ride in the Appalachian mountain foothills with his new teammates. He recalled the initial call from Julich and Hincapie, which came in late July. His agent, who also represents George's 17-year-old son, Enzo Hincapie, played a role in the swift transition from proposal to contract within a week.
Despite the initial impression that the team's first few years might be basic and cut back, Hayter was impressed by the team's readiness and professionalism. He shared, 'When I first talked to George and Bobby in July, they made it sound like the first few years would be basic and cut back. But coming here [to the Greenville, South Carolina team camp] and seeing everything ready for us straight away, it was really impressive and surprising.'
Hayter's integration into the team has been seamless. As the lone British rider, he has embraced the opportunity to be a minority in a diverse team. He appreciates the team's inclusivity, noting, 'I was honestly a bit surprised at just how open and welcoming everyone has been. It seems quite easy to integrate, especially as a Brit, being a minority.'
This marks Hayter's first trip to the US with a bike, having only visited New York City once before. He is excited to contribute to his race calendar, which will be finalized once the UCI confirms the ProTeam licence next week. While the British Road Nationals are a target, Hayter is eager to explore new races and experiences, stating, 'I am really happy to do a whole set of new races that I haven't done before. I'm excited just to race in new places and have some new experiences.'
Despite his impressive achievements, Hayter remains humble, acknowledging that there's still much to learn and achieve. He expressed, 'As much as on paper I'm a pro who's done big races, I still feel like there's so much to learn and figure out. There's a lot of races I still think I can win or try to win.'
Hayter's journey with Modern Adventure Pro Cycling is a testament to his dedication and the team's commitment to building a competitive and inclusive environment. As he embarks on this new adventure, the cycling world eagerly awaits his continued success and the impact he will have on the sport.
