Mark Stewart, a British Olympian, was on the brink of quitting professional cycling just six months ago. But now, he's found a new lease of life with the US team Modern Adventure, and his journey is a fascinating one. It's a story of resilience, second chances, and the power of a supportive team culture.
Stewart, a 30-year-old Scot, had grown weary of the penny-pinching and lack of professionalism in the ProTeams, especially in cycling's second tier. He was ready to move to Japan, where he had won a race in June, and join a lower-level team. But fate had other plans.
His friend and training mate, Riley Pickrell, delivered a game-changing message: Modern Adventure, a new US ProTeam founded by former Tour de France pro George Hincapie, was seeking an English-speaking, experienced rider who valued culture and was willing to take minimum wage. And this is where the story takes an unexpected turn.
Within a week, Stewart had signed with Modern Adventure, leaving behind the frustrations of his previous teams. He describes the new team as a "breath of fresh air." The team's approach is to under-promise and over-deliver, focusing on building a strong culture and shared values rather than solely chasing results. But here's where it gets controversial...
The team's founders, Hincapie and head of performance Bobby Julich, have a history of doping during their careers. Yet, they've been transparent about their past, openly addressing it with the riders. This honesty has earned them respect and set a tone of integrity within the team. Is this a sign of a new era in cycling, where transparency and honesty are valued over past mistakes?
Stewart, an Olympian and double World Championships silver medalist on the track, is now part of this unique team. He's excited to focus on his physical strengths, power production, and speed, rather than worrying about climbing mountains and counting calories. His role at Modern Adventure is to be a key member of the lead-out train, supporting his teammates' success.
This season marks Stewart's fifth as a pro cyclist, having previously ridden for the now-defunct New Zealand team Bolton Equities Black Spoke and spending two years with Solution Tech-Vini Fantini, where he didn't fully enjoy the experience. He's also a member of the GB track squad, rejoining in 2024 after being dropped in 2020, and competed at the Paris Olympics. And this is the part most people miss...
Stewart's resilience and positive attitude shine through. He's not afraid of the uncertainties of the cycling world, having worked normal jobs after losing his position with British Cycling in 2020. He believes in the joy of cycling, regardless of payment, inspired by his grandfather who rode his bike until the age of 97.
As Stewart prepares for his debut with Modern Adventure at the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, followed by the European Track Championships in Turkey, he's already feeling the benefits of a supportive team. He plans to combine road and track cycling towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming to represent GB again. What do you think about Stewart's journey? Is his new team's approach to culture and honesty a game-changer in the cycling world?
