Fast Freddie Returns: Rodriguez Leads New APS Pro Cycling Team
McKinney, Texas – January 19, 2026 – Giro d’Italia stage winner and four-time USPro road champion Fred Rodriguez is embarking on a new chapter in his storied cycling career.Known affectionately as ‘Fast Freddie’ throughout his 19-year professional racing career, which spanned 11 teams across the US and Europe, Rodriguez is transitioning too a leadership role as co-owner and manager of APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery [1]. This marks what many consider to be his fourth return to professional cycling, albeit in a markedly different capacity.
A New Challenge: From racer to Strategist
Rodriguez’s return isn’t about chasing personal glory on the bike, but about fostering the next generation of cycling talent. He’s shifting his focus to the strategic and developmental aspects of the sport, aiming to cultivate a holistic approach to rider growth. “I’ve been growing these ideas, the way teams race and the way teams look at training and how we develop riders,” Rodriguez explained to Cyclingnews [1]. “My goal is to bring a holistic approach. It’s not just about how big the engine is, but can the engine make good decisions.”
This ideology is already being implemented, with Rodriguez emphasizing tactical training exercises during the team’s winter camp. Rather than solely focusing on conventional interval training, he’s creating simulated race scenarios, forcing riders to think strategically and collaborate under pressure. “At training camp here, it was all about creating these little miniature races…they have to figure out how to win the race. They’re learning how to be teammates, how to collaborate, how to make good decisions,” Rodriguez stated [1].
APS Pro Cycling: A Team Built on Experience and Innovation
APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery is set to make its debut at the UCI 2.Pro Volta Comunitat Valenciana in Spain, February 4-8, facing a challenging field that includes nine WorldTour squads, including Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and olympic champion Remco Evenepoel [1]. The team, while relatively small with 11 riders, boasts a blend of seasoned professionals and promising young talent.
The team’s core ownership and management extends beyond Rodriguez, including Jeff Makohon, a former assistant sports director for Team Skyline, and Mike Norton, an exercise physiologist and cycling coach. The addition of Chad Plumlee, owner of Cadence Cyclery, and Chris Daggs, another experienced sports director, further strengthens the team’s infrastructure. Cadence Cyclery will also continue its support of a junior, men, and women’s club team, Cadence Cyclery p/b Encore Wire.
The team’s name, APS, stands for ‘atleta prima sempre,’ Italian for ‘athletes first, always,’ reflecting a commitment to prioritizing the well-being and development of its riders.
Roster Breakdown: A Mix of Youth and Experience
The APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery 2026 roster includes:
- Ethan Dunham (USA)
- Liam Flanagan (USA)
- Eddy Huntsman (USA)
- Cian Keogh (IRE)
- Adam Lewis (GBR)
- Andrew Lydic (USA)
- Conn mcdunphy (IRE)
- Ronan O’Connor (IRE)
- Alex St Andre (USA)
- Matthew Walls (IRE)
- Patrick Welch (USA)
The roster features experienced riders like Great Britain’s Adam Lewis and Ireland’s Conn McDunphy [1], alongside emerging talents such as 18-year-old Matthew Walls of Ireland. Many riders transition from Team Skyline, bringing a foundation of competitive experience. The team also includes gravel specialist Andrew Lydic, signaling a versatility in their racing approach.
The Future of APS Pro Cycling
Makohon emphasized the team’s long-term vision: “Freddie’s really got the new idea around how to make a development team work and teach these guys how to race and make them marketable to bigger teams, until we get to the point that we could be one of those bigger teams.” The team aims to provide a platform for riders to gain experience in UCI-sanctioned races,attract sponsorship,and ultimately,propel them to higher levels of the sport.
With a unique blend of seasoned leadership,innovative training methods,and a commitment to athlete development,APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery is poised to make a significant impact on the North American cycling scene and beyond. The team’s debut at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana will be a crucial test, offering a glimpse into the potential of this exciting new venture.
