Rising Stars of North American Cycling: Ones to Watch in 2026

North American cycling is currently experiencing a remarkable surge, with a wealth of talent coming to the fore that suggests a golden era is on the horizon. While a singular, dominant figure akin to Tadej Pogačar has yet to emerge, the continent's riders are consistently delivering impressive performances. The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali saw athletes from the USA, Canada, and Mexico secure numerous medals, including a stunning rainbow jersey victory for Magdeleine Vallieres. This success story is echoed in events like Isaac del Toro's near-victory at the Giro d’Italia and Brandon McNulty's remarkable string of wins. What's particularly striking is that many of these top performers are young, ranging from 18 to 27 years old, indicating a strong pipeline of future champions.

Isaac Del Toro, a 22-year-old Mexican cyclist with UAE Team Emirates XRG, is frequently compared to Tadej Pogačar due to his remarkable versatility and flair on the bike. In 2025, Del Toro amassed nearly 20 victories, including overall titles at the Vuelta a Burgos and Tour of Austria, and narrowly missed winning the Giro d'Italia. His ability to excel in sprints, mountain finishes, and time trials, combined with a robust physique at 70kg, sets him apart. Del Toro's impressive durability allowed him to contend for a Grand Tour victory in only his early twenties, showcasing a potential that continues to unfold.

Quinn Simmons from Lidl-Trek, though already making waves in 2025 with two WorldTour stage wins and a podium finish at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, is clearly destined for even greater achievements. Known as 'Captain America', Simmons possesses extraordinary power output, a trait that was vividly displayed at Il Lombardia where he led a 200km solo effort before being caught on the final climb, ultimately finishing fourth. His aggressive riding style and consistent improvements suggest a major victory is imminent in 2026.

American Matteo Jorgenson, a 26-year-old rider for Visma - Lease a Bike, epitomizes versatility in the professional peloton. Capable of winning Belgian Classics, summit finishes, and time trials within the same season, Jorgenson's 2025 saw him playing a crucial supporting role for Jonas Vingegaard while still securing personal accolades, including a tenth-place finish at the Vuelta a España. His consistent top-ten stage finishes at the Tour de France further underscore his broad skillset and continuous development, hinting at a future without discernible limits.

Brandon McNulty, aged 27 and riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, experienced an explosive second half of the 2025 season. Following a ninth-place finish at the Giro d’Italia, his best Grand Tour GC result, McNulty achieved a series of significant wins, including the Tour de Pologne, Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, Tour de Luxembourg, and CRO Race. His breakthrough WorldTour GC victory at the Tour de Pologne signals his arrival as a top contender. McNulty's ability to execute long solo attacks means he is a formidable force in any race, with his performance often contingent on his team's strategic race schedule.

Magdeleine Vallieres, a 24-year-old Canadian, shocked the cycling world by winning the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. Her solo victory on the demanding cobblestone streets, surpassing more established favorites, highlighted her burgeoning potential. Having previously won Trofeo Palma Femina in 2024, Vallieres is now set to compete with the rainbow jersey in 2026 as part of EF Education-Oatly. Her initial performances in the stripes, including two top-ten finishes, suggest she will thrive under the increased spotlight, especially in hilly Classics like La Flèche Wallonne Féminine.

Matthew Riccitello, a 20-year-old American from Israel–Premier Tech, is a name to remember. After a period of steady progress, 2025 marked his breakthrough, culminating in a fifth-place overall finish and the Best Young Rider jersey at the Vuelta a España. Despite his diminutive stature at 55kg, Riccitello has demonstrated significant improvement, particularly in time trials, where he posted competitive speeds against top GC contenders. If his trajectory continues, he is poised to challenge for Grand Tour podiums in the near future.

Ashlin Barry, an 18-year-old American talent, enjoyed an extraordinary 2025 season, securing 12 podium finishes in 20 UCI races, including second place at Paris-Roubaix Juniors and the World Championships Junior TT. Standing at 6'3" and 170 lbs, Barry possesses immense power, making him ideal for time trials and Classics. His future with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development squad as a first-year U23 rider in 2026 is highly anticipated, with an eye towards an U23 rainbow jersey.

The youngest female rider to make significant strides in the Women’s WorldTour is Isabella Holmgren, a 20-year-old Canadian who dominated the 2025 Tour de l’Avenir Femmes, winning by a substantial margin. Holmgren's background as a junior cross-country and cyclocross world champion underscores her foundational talent. Now with Lidl-Trek for the next three years, she is expected to contend for Grand Tour podiums in 2026, solidifying her status as a budding GC star.

The future of North American cycling is incredibly bright, filled with a diverse array of talent across various disciplines and age groups. These athletes have not only demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication but have also shown a steady progression through the ranks, avoiding early burnout. Their continued development and determination to achieve results at the highest levels of the sport promise an exciting future for cycling enthusiasts. As these stars continue to rise, the landscape of professional cycling will undoubtedly be enriched by their achievements.