Cycling end-of-season awards 2025: Rider of the year, breakout star, and ones to watch in 2026

Key Highlights

• Tadej Pogacar was once again not just head and shoulders above the entire rest of the peloton, but basically out of sight – often literally, as he disappeared up the road the minute it kicked uphill.
• AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis year he racked up a fourth Tour de France title, equalling Chris Froome’s achievement; another three Monuments, including a record fifth straight Il Lombardia; a seemingly effortless win at the Dauphine; a maiden European road race title; and an emphatic defence of his rainbow jersey to cap off a near-perfect year for the Slovenian superstar. While he was unstoppable in the high mountains he didn’t get everything his own way in the Classics, with Mathieu van der Poel winning another two Monuments, at Paris-Roubaix – his third in a row – and Milan-San Remo.
• Seeing Pogacar fume after missing out on the latter gave us confirmation he’ll be back for another attempt in 2026, when Van der Poel is likely to prove his toughest competition once again. Tadej Pogacar celebrates after clinching his fifth victory at Il Lombardia (AP)Rider of the year (women)Pauline Ferrand-Prevot set her sights on winning the Tour de France within three years when she returned to the road after a long and brilliant off-road career; she ended up winning it at the first time of asking.
• Her outstanding achievement meant she was the first French rider to win the Tour in 40 years, and galvanised the entire nation, which turned out in force to cheer her home after a dominant run in the mountains.
• And she won Paris-Roubaix on her first attempt, too. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn a very different field of battle to Pogacar but about as dominant, Lorena Wiebes finishes the year in a strong second place for best women’s rider.