In a surprising move, Cannondale has announced the closure of its iconic Cannondale Factory racing (CFR) program after the 2026 season. This decision comes just days after the team secured a World Cup victory, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the announcement. The team, which has been a staple in the mountain biking world since 1994, will transition to a new approach focused on community engagement and content creation.
The news was met with mixed emotions by fans and riders alike. Luca Martin who recently won the Lenzerheide World Cup and his teammates Charlie Aldridge and Cole Punchard have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. The team’s leader, Olympic champion Jolanda Neff continues to be a dominant force in the sport. Despite these achievements, Cannondale has decided to shift its focus away from the traditional factory team model.
The Legacy of Cannondale Factory Racing
Cannondale Factory Racing has a rich history that spans over three decades. The team has been home to some of the sport’s most iconic names, including Missy Giove and Tinker Juarez who won gold and silver medals, respectively, at the 1994 World Championships. The team has also fielded legendary downhill and enduro riders such as Anne-Caroline Chausson and Cedric Gracia.
The team’s impact extends beyond its racing achievements. CFR has been a testing ground for innovative technologies that have shaped the evolution of modern mountain bikes. The team’s success has also helped establish Cannondale as a leading brand in the cycling industry. The announcement of the team’s closure marks the end of an era, but the legacy of CFR will continue to influence the sport for years to come.
The Future: Cannondale Rogues
While the traditional factory team model is coming to an end, Cannondale is not stepping away from the sport entirely. The brand has announced the launch of the Cannondale Rogues program, which will bring together professional racers, content creators, community leaders, and emerging voices from various disciplines, including mountain biking and gravel cycling.
The Cannondale Rogues program aims to connect more directly with cyclists and amplify the brand’s presence beyond the competition circuits. The program will focus on creating content, organizing events, and engaging with the cycling community. This new approach reflects a broader trend in the cycling industry, where brands are seeking to balance investment in competition with digital marketing strategies and community building.
Cannondale will continue to support road and gravel cycling through its agreements with the EF team and the St. Michel women’s program. The brand will also maintain a competitive presence in mountain biking through new, yet-to-be-defined formulas. The 2026 season will serve as a celebration of the team’s achievements and a farewell to one of the most emblematic names in the history of the MTB World Cup.
