Memorable Cycling Moments of 2025: A Year in Review

The "Cycling Weekly" editorial team enthusiastically shares their most significant cycling memories from 2025, demonstrating the profound and varied impact the sport has had on their lives. These recollections span a broad spectrum, from exhilarating professional race highlights and awe-inspiring record-breaking feats to deeply personal achievements, such as a child's first bike ride, and impactful community initiatives. Each narrative underscores the multifaceted nature of cycling, showcasing its ability to inspire, unite, and bring joy, both on and off the competitive circuit.

James Shrubsall, a senior news and features writer, pinpoints the 21st stage of the Tour de France as his most unforgettable moment. Being amidst the vibrant crowds on July 27, witnessing the peloton ascend to the Sacre Coeur church in Paris, offered a breathtaking spectacle. The blend of fervent spectators, the historic cobbled streets, and the iconic Parisian skyline created an unparalleled experience, cementing it as his personal highlight of the cycling season.

For Jamie Williams, the video manager, the 20th stage of the Giro d’Italia delivered an unexpected and thrilling tactical masterclass. He recounts the impressive performance of Visma Lease-a-Bike, Simon Yates, and Wout van Aert, which defied all predictions. Despite initially backing Isaac del Toro, Williams applauded Yates's strategic brilliance in capitalizing on his rivals' missteps, leading to a truly remarkable and memorable outcome in the race.

Tom Davidson highlights the extraordinary achievement of Dr. Sarah Ruggins, who, despite battling complex regional pain syndrome in her youth, shattered the record for cycling the length of the UK and back (JOGLEJOG) in just over five days. Her triumphant image, seated exhausted yet victorious against the John o’ Groats signpost, serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering determination and resilience, inspiring many with her journey from debilitating illness to world-record holder.

Matt Ischt-Barnard cherishes a more personal milestone: teaching his son to ride a bicycle. As an avid cyclist, watching his child master pedaling and find joy in cycling became a magical, unforgettable experience. This moment reinforced his hope for a lifelong shared passion, anticipating many more years of cycling adventures together.

Adam Becket, the news editor, reflects on his cycling club's Christmas party as a standout moment, even amidst professional highlights like attending the Tour de France final stage and ascending Mont Ventoux. He emphasizes the profound sense of community fostered by his club, Newtown Park CC, which transcends mere cycling. The party, a festive gathering that raised significant funds for charity, underscored the strong bonds and collective spirit that define their group, making it a cherished memory of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Hannah Bussey recounts the profound satisfaction of spearheading the construction of a public bike track in her local park. This community-driven project, fueled by a desire for a free riding space, involved extensive planning, fundraising, and hands-on labor from dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic children. Witnessing the track's opening and observing children of all ages support each other and share tricks on the paths they helped create instilled an immense sense of pride and collective achievement, fostering community spirit and a shared sense of responsibility.

Meg Elliot, a news and features writer, celebrates the release of "Breakaway Femmes: The Forgotten Tour de France," a film that chronicles the inspiring, yet often overlooked, history of women who competed in the Tour de France during the 1980s. This documentary sheds light on their tenacity and skill, revealing how these pioneering female cyclists navigated the same challenging courses as their male counterparts, often without comparable support, and faced significant resistance from the cycling establishment. The film stands as a powerful tribute to their enduring strength and an important reclamation of a lost chapter in cycling history.

Andy Carr, the tech editor, reflects on his joining "Cycling Weekly" as a pivotal moment, which provided him with unique opportunities such as chasing professional riders like Martin Söderström and Eliot Jackson down a scenic hill in Lake Garda. His role has allowed him to rigorously test and report on cutting-edge cycling equipment, making his career move a highly gratifying decision.