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Lauren Stephens, a veteran of the professional cycling world, is entering her 14th season with a new venture: captaining her own multi-rider road team, Aegis by Leaders of Enchantment. The Texas native is also setting her sights on the challenging Life Time Grand Prix series, and for the first time, will have dedicated teammates alongside her in those off-road races. This marks a significant evolution for Stephens, who has spent the last year building towards this moment.

The formation of Aegis x LOE, a true road team established with her husband, Mat Stephens, represents a long-held dream for the three-time U.S. Gravel national champion. The team will debut this weekend at the two-day La Primavera in Lago Vista, Texas. Stephens’ ambition extends beyond simply competing; she aims to foster a supportive environment for her athletes, allowing them to pursue opportunities across road, gravel, and mountain biking disciplines. This holistic approach to athlete development is central to the team’s philosophy.

Building a Collective: Stephens’ Vision for Aegis x LOE

Stephens’ journey to team ownership began after a year with Aegis Cycling Foundation, where she raced off-road as a privateer and assembled a composite group for road events. Recognizing the need for a more structured approach, she and her husband created Aegis x LOE. “I mean, this has been my dream to start a team. And starting something from nothing, you’re like, where do I start cracking the egg?” Stephens told Cyclingnews. “We are a road team, and we are supporting our athletes on gravel and mountain bike.” The team has secured equipment commitments from ENVE (bikes and wheels for two years), Shimano (drivetrain), Vittoria (tyres), and Capo (cycling apparel), ensuring a solid foundation for its riders.

The initial roster includes Stephens herself, along with six core road riders: U23 athletes Kylee Hanel and Marien Lawson, the latter being the team’s sole Canadian representative, alongside Grace Arlandson, Jamie Chapman, and Katey Krisky. Three development riders – Jocelyn Gamulcek, Kate Rhyne, and 18-year-classic Natalie Rehklau – will also receive support. Stephens explained that the team currently has enough equipment for eight riders, with plans to expand as needed.

Langley Joins the Off-Road Collective

A key addition to the team’s off-road efforts is Emma Langley, the 2022 U.S. Pro road race champion. Langley, who finished third at the Maryland Cycling Classic alongside Stephens last year, will bring valuable experience to the Life Time Grand Prix. Notably, Langley will continue to utilize her personal sponsors, riding Ventum bikes and DT Swiss/Kenda equipment, demonstrating Stephens’ commitment to athlete autonomy. Last year, Langley achieved notable results, including second place at Crusher in the Tushar and seventh at U.S. Gravel Nationals. This will be her first foray into the Life Time Grand Prix.

Stephens emphasized the collaborative spirit of the off-road contingent. “On the off-road side, that’s where Emma Langley comes into things. She has her own personal sponsors, but she’s part of our off-road collective,” she said. “We’re going to be on different equipment, and we’ll show that we can still be friends and race together.” Joining Stephens and Langley in the Life Time Grand Prix will be 20-year-old Hanel, who will compete in the under-23 program. Hanel has the opportunity to earn free entries to all four series events if she finishes in the top 10 for women in the U23 category after the first two races.

Stephens sees a mentoring role for herself within the team, stating, “I am part of the Life Time Grand Prix, so performance-wise, that is where I’m focused for my personal results. And then on the roadside, I notice this as an opportunity for me to mentor riders and teach them from within the peloton.” She believes the team dynamic will provide a crucial support system, offering shared course knowledge and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Ambition

Stephens’ season will kick off with The Mid South on March 13 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, followed by a defense of her Rattlesnake Gravel Grind title in Texas. April will see a ramp-up in road racing at the Redlands Cycling Classic in Southern California, leading into the start of the Life Time Grand Prix campaign at Sea Otter in Monterey on April 16. The team is supported by the Aegis Cycling Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting victims of human trafficking, and Leaders of Enchantment. Lee Whaley, formerly with DNA Pro Cycling, will serve as team manager and advisor.

Stephens’ long-term vision extends beyond immediate race results. “My goal with this team is to develop riders, teaching them on the road the tactics and the savviness of cycling, to obtain them over to Europe,” she explained. “And then we’ll race the gravel and mountain bike stuff to get the grit. Put those two things together, and then you get your Europe.”

With a clear focus on athlete development, a collaborative team spirit, and a multi-disciplinary approach, Aegis x LOE is poised to make a significant impact on the American cycling scene. The team’s debut at La Primavera will be a first glimpse of what promises to be an exciting season.

What are your thoughts on the new team dynamic? Share your predictions for Aegis x LOE in the comments below!

Frances Tiafoe demonstrated remarkable resilience in Acapulco, Mexico, saving two match points to secure a hard-fought victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic at the ATP 500 tournament. The American battled back to win a captivating contest, showcasing the determination that has become a hallmark of his game. This win comes at a crucial juncture for Tiafoe, who is looking to regain momentum after a challenging 2025 season.

The match, played on February 26, 2026, saw Tiafoe facing elimination before rallying to overcome Kovacevic. The ability to perform under pressure, particularly saving match points, is a significant indicator of a player’s mental fortitude. Tiafoe’s performance in Acapulco signals a potential turning point as he navigates a period of rebuilding and seeks to return to the form that saw him reach the US Open semifinals in 2022. Currently ranked #28 according to the ATP, as of February 26, 2026 ESPN reports, Tiafoe is aiming to climb back into the top 20.

Details of the match scoreline were not immediately available, but the ATP Tour highlighted the pivotal moments where Tiafoe dug deep to avoid defeat. Watch the highlights here. The victory is particularly noteworthy given Tiafoe’s struggles in 2025, a season marked by unexpected losses and a split with his long-time coach, David Witt, in October as reported by Yardbarker.

Last year proved demanding for the 28-year-old (born January 20, 1998) according to ESPN, with a concerning pattern emerging: losses to opponents ranked significantly lower than himself. In 22 events, including Davis Cup appearances, he fell to players ranked below him in 17 tournaments. Defeats against Yannick Hanfmann (world No. 150), Jan-Lennard Struff (No. 144), Marton Fucsovics (No. 58), and Yosuke Watanuki (No. 349) underscored the issues with consistency and confidence that plagued his 2025 campaign.

Despite the setbacks, Tiafoe remains motivated, drawing inspiration from the successes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. He has publicly stated his desire to reach their level and establish himself as a leading figure in the next generation of tennis stars. His performance in Acapulco suggests he is taking the first steps towards achieving that goal.

Tiafoe’s next challenge will be the Australian Open, where he last reached the quarter-finals in 2019. A strong showing in Melbourne would be a significant boost to his ranking and confidence as he looks to regain his position among the elite players on the ATP Tour. The early stages of the 2026 season will be critical for Tiafoe as he attempts to reverse the downward trend of 2025 and re-establish himself as a force in men’s tennis.

The win in Acapulco provides a much-needed morale boost for Tiafoe, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level even when facing adversity. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this victory marks the beginning of a sustained return to form. His performance in upcoming tournaments will be key to determining whether he can overcome the challenges of the past year and fulfill his potential.

What impact will this win have on Tiafoe’s confidence moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow tennis fans.