The Hincapie Brothers: A Lifelong Passion for Cycling
Rich and George Hincapie, both born in Queens, New York, developed a passion for cycling at a young age, inspired by their father, Ricardo, a native of Colombia.
Their early training sessions took place in New York City's Central Park, where they honed their cycling skills together.
The brothers’ cycling history
As they grew older, their paths diverged within the cycling world. George pursued a professional cycling career, becoming a key domestique in multiple Tour de France victories. Over his 19-year career, he competed in 17 Tours de France, the most of any American cyclist, participated in five Olympic Games and excelled in the Spring Classics, including winning Gent-Wevelgem in 2001 and securing multiple top-10 finishes in Paris-Roubaix.
Meanwhile, Rich attended business school and competed as an elite-level amateur cyclist. Their shared love for cycling, nurtured during their childhood rides, laid the foundation for their future endeavors in both professional sports and business.
- In 2003, Rich founded Hincapie Sportswear, which specializes in cycling apparel, with South Carolina’s Assaults on Mt. Mitchell and Marion as his first customers. The Hincapie Sportswear's factory is located in Medellin, Colombia and is managed by George and Rich Hincapie's uncle and aunt, Jorge and Mari Hincapie, who have over 30 years of apparel manufacturing experience. This family-run factory produces all of Hincapie Sportswear's apparel, ensuring close collaboration between the design team in Greenville, South Carolina, and the manufacturing team in Medellin.
- In 2012, the first Gran Fondo was held in Greenville, South Carolina and was designed to be a retirement celebration ride for George. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2012, George has remained active in the sport and joined on as co-founder of Hincapie Sportswear with his brother Rich. He also launched a professional cycling team.
- Also in 2012, George and Rich opened Hotel Domestique, a luxury cycling destination in South Carolina, inspired by his experiences competing around the world.
Hincapie brothers today
Today as co-owners of Hincapie Sportswear and Hincapie Events, George and Rich remain extremely involved in their Gran Fondo Hincapie cycling event series. Now in its 13th year, the series embodies the Hincapie family's passion for cycling and commitment to creating a family-friendly atmosphere. The events cater to riders of all skill levels, offering multiple course options, and have expanded to five locations.
The Hincapie family's involvement extends beyond organizing the events; they actively participate and engage with attendees. George and Rich are often found riding alongside other retired pro cyclists, mingling with participants at the Family Fun Festival and Expo, and are instrumental in designing each Gran Fondo course.
The Hincapie family's dedication to cycling spans across generations. George's son, Enzo Hincapie, who is the 2024 Junior Men 15-16 Time Trial National Champion competes in many Gran Fondo Hincapie rides alongside his dad and uncle. Rich’s wife, Drew Hincapie, serves as Director of Operations, while their daughter, Bella, works as an Operations Coordinator for Hincapie Sportswear. Other Hincapie relatives and friends are also frequently seen rolling up their sleeves and helping at various Fondo events across the country.
Today, the Gran Fondo Greenville event (where the family resides) brings more than 2,000 cyclists to the Greenville area will take place the Oct. 18 weekend this year.
