Allison Mrugal will make the move to the French ProTeam ranks in 2026, joining Mayenne Monbana My Pie as the squad begins a new chapter after taking over the former Winspace Orange Seal structure on a three-year licence.
The 29-year-old American arrives after two seasons with Cynisca Cycling and will reunite with former teammate Natalie Quinn on a roster that continues to strengthen its international profile.
From Cynisca to the ProTeam level
Mrugal’s signing is the result of a partnership between the team and the Cynisca Foundation, a pathway that has already helped riders bridge the gap from Continental level to higher-tier European programmes.
Announcing the move, the team said in a bilingual statement: “Through a partnership with the Cynisca Foundation, we will be welcoming a second American rider to our roster in 2026: Allison Mrugal.”
Her progression has been steady rather than headline-driven, but results in 2025 underlined her consistency, most notably sixth overall at the Loire Ladies Tour, a performance that stood out in a demanding stage race against deeper ProTeam competition.
A late start, steady rise
Born in 1996 and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Mrugal came to cycling relatively late, discovering the sport at 18 while studying Design and Sustainability at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After early success in collegiate racing, she continued her education at SCAD in Atlanta on a varsity cycling scholarship, combining racing with a Master’s degree in Luxury and Fashion Management.
Her early professional years were shaped by versatility. A spell in cross-country mountain biking with KS Kenda Women in 2020 sharpened her endurance before the pandemic pushed her focus firmly towards the road. By 2022, she was racing in Belgium, a pivotal step that led to a Continental contract with Sopela Women’s Team in 2023 and appearances at races such as La Vuelta Femenina and Itzulia Women’s.
Why the move makes sense
While Mrugal does not yet have a professional win to her name, her value lies in reliability and adaptability. Two seasons with Cynisca Cycling helped refine her race craft, and her 2025 campaign showed she can contribute across stage races and one-day events without fading across a week of competition.
For Mayenne Monbana My Pie, the signing fits a broader strategy as the team establishes itself following the transition from the Winspace Orange Seal structure. Adding a rider with international experience, who has already proven she can handle European racing rhythms, brings depth rather than pressure to deliver immediate victories.
Looking ahead to 2026
Joining a French-based ProTeam environment represents a significant step in Mrugal’s career. With familiar faces around her and a programme likely to include a mix of stage races and selective one-day events, 2026 offers an opportunity to convert consistency into higher-profile results.
For Mrugal, the move is another chapter in a career defined by gradual progression rather than shortcuts. For Mayenne Monbana My Pie, it is a low-risk, high-upside addition as the team shapes its identity over the next three seasons.