Rapha and USA Cycling today announce their ambitions to build the most transformative era yet for the sport – winning a record medal haul, getting more people on bikes, and bringing new fans to cycling both in America and around the world.
Combining quality and performance, Rapha will be outfitting the USA’s most talented athletes from 2026 through the end of 2029 – bringing its signature style and panache to the ultimate stage for the sport.
Fran Millar, CEO of Rapha said: “Our vision is to make cycling the most important sport in the world by transforming the lives of millions and there is no greater stage for that ambition than when athletes represent their nation. This is a bold move for Rapha, and USA Cycling shares our intention for the partnership to stand for far more than a jersey; it represents a shared dream for the future of the sport.”
Fans will have spotted a teaser for the announcement at Life Time Big Sugar Gravel this weekend, where USA Cycling athletes surprised the community by supporting riders in the feed zones. Olympians, Paralympians, and U.S. National Team riders from a range of disciplines helped to staff the Rapha Mobile Service Course – a nutrition and support station for Rapha athletes at key races.
The partnership with USA Cycling will take Rapha into new disciplines such as Track, BMX Racing, and BMX Freestyle and see them harness the innovation gains of working with athletes at the cutting edge of the sport. It will also see a Rapha armband worn to glory on cyclists at their home Games in one of the brand’s biggest markets.
Since opening its first American Clubhouse in San Francisco in 2008, Rapha has continued to grow its presence, with the market now accounting for over 20% of revenue.
Rapha’s 7-year partnership with American WorldTour team EF Pro Cycling helped to expand the appeal of the sport with consumers in the USA. From Lael Wilcox to Kate Courtney, Rapha has a history of working with America’s most talented and charismatic riders. The brand supported the inception of Los Angeles-based crit team Legion (L39ION) and has built a collective of off-road racers who have ridden to victory at the biggest gravel events in North America.
This new partnership represents Rapha’s biggest commitment to the sport in North America to date, but it won’t be its first collaboration with USA Cycling. In 2023, USA Cycling launched Search for Speed, a talent identification program on a mission to make track cycling more accessible to diverse and underrepresented communities in Los Angeles. Supported by The Rapha Foundation, the program was designed to provide a pathway for young people with potential to enter the U.S National Team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Over 3,000 people participated and multiple athletes are currently training with the track National 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 has a laser focus on delivering 10 cycling medals at the LA28 Summer Olympic Games. That record-breaking performance would be transformative for the sport in America and Rapha will be at the center of that effort. From aerodynamics to thermal regulation, we are relentlessly pursuing every potential advantage for Team USA. Rapha is synonymous with innovation at the pinnacle of the sport and can match our ambition. We know that our athletes will be at their best when they compete in Rapha."
The first Rapha + USA Cycling kit will be revealed in January next year with replica kit and a range of merchandise available for fans to show their support for the team.
