Vote for the International Cyclist of the Year 2026

Cycling Weekly magazine is inviting its readers to participate in the selection of the 'International Rider of the Year' for 2026. This prestigious accolade will be awarded to an athlete who has demonstrated remarkable excellence throughout the season, as determined by popular vote.

Details of the Prestigious Cycling Recognition

The esteemed recognition for the top international cyclist of 2026 has narrowed down to a formidable list of six contenders. Each nominee has showcased an extraordinary year, setting new benchmarks in the sport. Esteemed athletes such as Demi Vollering and Tadej Pogačar have consistently delivered dominant performances, although the award acknowledges not just the quantity of victories but also the overall impact and progression of a rider's season. The competition includes talents who have elevated their game significantly, achieving unprecedented levels of skill and success. To help voters make an informed decision, a brief overview of each shortlisted rider's achievements is provided below. The voting period is set to conclude on November 15, 2026, with the highly anticipated results scheduled for publication in the December 3rd issue of Cycling Weekly.

Demi Vollering, despite often being the favorite, secured two major missing titles from her career: the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. She also triumphed at the World Championships road race, Tour of Flanders, Fleche Wallonne Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes, and the European Championships road race, solidifying her position as UCI World No. 1. Remco Evenepoel's move to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe heralded his finest season. He claimed second place at the Tour de France, along with a time trial victory and a summit finish stage win. His consistent performance included third-place finishes at Flanders and Liège, an Amstel Gold win, and further victories post-Tour, concluding the year as UCI World No. 2. Tadej Pogačar achieved a historic fifth Tour de France win, further cementing his status as one of cycling's all-time greats. His exceptional season saw him win nearly every race he entered, including the Tour de Suisse, Tour de Romandie, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Tour of Flanders, Milan-San Remo, and Strade Bianche, earning him the UCI World No. 1 ranking. Marlen Reusser dominated in time trialling, securing world and European titles and a general classification win at the Tour de Suisse. Despite finishing 14th at the Tour de France, she spent three days in the yellow jersey, showcasing her versatility and strength, and ended the year as UCI World No. 8. Paul Seixas, a 19-year-old Frenchman, made a significant impact in his debut professional year, securing multiple victories including Il Lombardia, Flèche Wallone, and Itzulia Basque Country. He also impressed with a fourth-place finish at the Tour de France, ending the season as UCI World No. 3. Lorena Wiebes led the peloton with an astounding 25 victories, or 30 including points classifications, demonstrating unparalleled sprinting prowess. Her wins included In Flanders Fields, the Tour of Poland, the Copenhagen Sprint, two stages and the green jersey at the Tour de France Femmes, and four stages at the Tour of Britain Women, solidifying her position as UCI World No. 5.