After stepping away from racing last year to focus on his mental health, Leo Hayter will return to the professional peloton in 2026 with the new Hincapie-backed Modern Adventure Pro Cycling project. The Briton, once seen as one of INEOS Grenadiers’ brightest stage-race prospects, joins the 20-rider UCI ProTeam spearheaded by Rich and George Hincapie, who have committed to a six-year plan to grow the American outfit.
Hayter, who in August 2024 revealed that he had been battling depression, anxiety and disordered eating, has not raced consistently since leaving INEOS, although he competed in two time trials towards the end of the 2025 season for Voster ATS Team. At the time, he wrote that he had “broken down this year and [had] not been training/racing for some time”, admitting it was unrealistic to continue with the team while recovering.
“I think we are a good programme for him on his way back. [There’s] no pressure; he can take his time finding that talent back. He’s a real diamond in the rough,” said Rich Hincapie, speaking to Cycling News.
The message fits the tone of Modern Adventure’s launch, which emphasises culture and community over short-term results. Rich Hincapie confirmed that he and his brother George are prioritising “a family atmosphere first; results will come later.”
A restart in a supportive environment
For Hayter, 24, this move marks a reset after a turbulent period since his breakthrough U23 Giro d’Italia victory in 2022. His decision to join the US-based squad gives him a low-pressure platform to rebuild confidence and form.
The team will hold its first gathering in Greenville, South Carolina this December, before heading to Girona for a winter camp in January. With staff including Alex Howes, Ty Magner, and Joey Rosskopf as directors, the Hincapies’ new project aims to blend WorldTour experience with a nurturing ethos.
“George and I are focusing on the culture and family atmosphere first; results will come later,” Rich Hincapie said. “Since we have a minimum six-year commitment, we have time to build it right.”
After the openness of his 2024 announcement, Hayter’s return represents more than just another transfer story — it’s a symbol of perseverance and of a sport increasingly willing to talk about mental health.