Taylor Phinney announces cycling comeback for LA28 Olympic bid

Three-time Olympian aims to make U.S. men's team pursuit squad after retiring in 2019

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a cyclist in the team pursuit event, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic motion and teamwork of the sport.Phinney's Olympic comeback bid aims to capture the raw energy and teamwork of the track cycling event he hopes to dominate.Los Angeles Today

Three-time Olympian Taylor Phinney is launching a cycling comeback, switching back to the track, in a bid to race at the LA28 Olympics, some 44 years after his parents won medals at the LA Games. Phinney, a 35-year-old who retired in 2019, hopes to make the U.S. men's team pursuit squad for LA28.

Why it matters

Phinney is a decorated cyclist who competed in three Olympics, including a fourth-place finish in the road race and time trial at the 2012 London Games. His comeback attempt at the LA28 Olympics would be a remarkable achievement, especially given the long gap since his last Olympic appearance.

The details

Phinney announced his comeback on social media, saying 'the old horse still has some kick.' He noted that his initial return to gravel racing has 'delicately snowballed into a full on Olympic dream.' Phinney said he has 'a lot of work to do in the gym and refining the position,' but is 'honored to be in the running' for the U.S. team pursuit squad.

  • Phinney retired from cycling in 2019.
  • Phinney announced his comeback in April 2026.
  • The LA28 Olympics are scheduled to take place in 2028.

The players

Taylor Phinney

A 35-year-old former professional cyclist who is attempting a comeback to compete in the team pursuit event at the LA28 Olympics.

Connie Carpenter-Phinney

Phinney's mother, who won Olympic gold in the road race in 1984, the first year women's cycling was included in the Olympics.

Davis Phinney

Phinney's father, who won a bronze medal in the team time trial at the 1984 Olympics.

Katarzyna Niewiadoma

Phinney's wife, who won the 2024 Tour de France Femmes.

USA Cycling

The national governing body for cycling in the United States, which is supporting Phinney's comeback attempt.

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What they’re saying

“NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS could I have predicted this…but here we are :) the old horse still has some kick.”

— Taylor Phinney

“Comeback 2028 slightly less than 3000 but just as exciting- what a gift to want to do this. Wanting is the driver - speaks of love passion and resilience and that describes you @taylorphinney dream on ❤️😉.”

— Connie Carpenter-Phinney

What’s next

Phinney will need to prove himself during the upcoming World Cup events and Olympic qualification process in order to secure a spot on the U.S. men's team pursuit squad for the LA28 Olympics.

The takeaway

Phinney's comeback attempt at age 35 is a testament to his passion for the sport and his desire to close the loop on his cycling career by competing at the Olympics one more time, just as his parents did decades ago.