The Rider of the Year awards are back for 2026, and it's time to get your nominations in! After the resounding success of the 2025 edition, BikeRadar, MBUK, and Cycling Plus are once again joining forces with Lezyne to celebrate the best in mountain biking and road cycling. But what makes this year's event particularly exciting is the opportunity for the public to have a say in who takes home the coveted titles. Personally, I think this is a fantastic development, as it allows us to recognize not only the achievements of the riders but also the impact they have on the wider cycling community. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way in which the awards are structured. The public nominations will help to create a shortlist for Rider of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, with the winners then being decided by a combination of expert judges and public vote. This is a great way to ensure that the awards remain relevant and engaging for all cycling enthusiasts. In my opinion, this approach is a refreshing change from traditional awards, which often rely on a small group of experts to make the decisions. From my perspective, the public's involvement adds a layer of democracy and inclusivity to the process, which is essential for any awards program to be truly successful. One thing that immediately stands out is the variety of categories on offer. The three main categories - Rider of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement - provide a comprehensive overview of the cycling world, recognizing both established stars and up-and-coming talents. What many people don't realize is that the Lifetime Achievement category is particularly special. This award is not just about recognizing a rider's past achievements but also about celebrating their overall impact on the sport. It's a chance to honor the riders who have not only achieved great things on the bike but have also contributed to the growth and development of cycling as a whole. If you take a step back and think about it, the Lifetime Achievement award is a powerful reminder of the legacy that riders can leave behind. It's a chance to recognize the riders who have inspired generations of cyclists and helped to shape the sport into what it is today. This raises a deeper question: what does it mean to have a lasting impact on a sport? In my view, it's not just about winning races or breaking records. It's about inspiring others to get on their bikes, promoting the sport's values, and contributing to its growth and development. What this really suggests is that the Rider of the Year awards are more than just a celebration of cycling talent. They are a celebration of the sport's culture, values, and history. By recognizing the achievements of riders in these different categories, we are not only celebrating their individual successes but also the collective progress of cycling as a whole. In conclusion, the Rider of the Year awards for 2026 are an exciting development for the cycling world. By involving the public in the nomination and voting process, the awards are becoming more democratic and inclusive, which is essential for their long-term success. The variety of categories and the focus on lifetime achievement also make these awards unique and meaningful. So, if you have a favorite rider or know of someone who has made a significant impact on the sport, don't hesitate to nominate them. The cycling world needs more people like you to help celebrate the best of the best.
