Rapha and USA Cycling announced on October 20 that the first-ever sponsorship of the North American Cycling Federation from 2026 to the end of 2029 is more than just a sponsorship. It’s about building the most transformative era yet for the sport: winning a record number of medals, getting more people on bikes, and attracting new fans to cycling both in the United States and around the world.
Fran Millar, CEO of Rapha, stated on the USA Cycling website that “our vision is to make cycling the world’s greatest sport, transforming the lives of millions of people, and there is no better stage for that ambition than when athletes represent their nation. This is a bold step for Rapha, and USA Cycling shares our intention that this collaboration represents much more than a jersey; it represents a shared dream for the future of the sport.”
The collaboration with USA Cycling will allow Rapha to venture into new disciplines such as track cycling and take advantage of the benefits of innovation by working with cutting-edge athletes.
Although they have collaborated with the American WorldTour team EF Pro Cycling for seven years, they supported the creation of the Los Angeles-based criterium team Legion (L39ION) and built a roster of North America’s top gravel teams. This new partnership represents Rapha’s deepest commitment to the sport in the United States to date.
However, it will not be their first collaboration with USA Cycling. In 2023, they launched Search for Speed, a talent identification program aimed at making track cycling more accessible to Los Angeles’ diverse and underrepresented communities.
Supported by the Rapha Foundation, the program was designed to provide a pathway for young riders with potential to join the US national team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. More than 3,000 people participated, and several cyclists are currently training with the national track team after participating in the program.
Brendan Quirk, CEO and President of USA Cycling, said: “We are entering a golden age for American cycling, and Rapha can be a catalyst for that. USA Cycling’s ultimate goal is to win ten cycling medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“That record would be transformative for the sport in the United States, and Rapha will be at the center of that effort. From aerodynamics to thermal regulation, we are tirelessly pursuing every potential advantage for Team USA. Rapha is synonymous with innovation at the pinnacle of the sport and can match our ambition.”
Source: https://capovelo.com/rapha-becomes-official-sponsor-of-usa-cycling/