Get ready to dive into the world of cycling and discover the incredible talent that emerged in 2025! Even with superstars like Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel dominating the scene, cycling never fails to surprise us with fresh faces and incredible stories. Today, we're highlighting the 12 biggest breakthrough riders of 2025, who have taken the cycling world by storm.
The Rise of New Cycling Stars
In the peloton, some riders are turning corners and reaching new heights, while others are making their mark as neo-pros, finding their place among cycling's elite. Let's meet these incredible athletes and celebrate their achievements.
Isaac del Toro: A Rising Star from Mexico
Isaac del Toro, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, is a name to remember. After making our list last year, del Toro's 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. From a solid talent to almost winning a Grand Tour, del Toro's progress is nothing short of remarkable. With 16 victories and two bonus wins at the Mexican National Championships, he's proven his potential and taken his career to a whole new level.
Maëva Squiban: The French Sensation
Maëva Squiban, riding for UAE Team ADQ, emerged from relative obscurity in 2025 and left a lasting impression. Her performance at the Tour de France Femmes was nothing short of remarkable, with two consecutive solo victories on Stages 6 and 7. Squiban's attacks and breakaway skills, coupled with her time trialing and descending abilities, make her a force to be reckoned with. Her breakthrough has not only brought joy to French fans but has also shown the world her incredible talent.
Oscar Onley: Scotland's Rising Star
Oscar Onley, a rider for Picnic PostNL, has been showcasing his potential for some time now. In 2025, he took a massive leap forward, finishing fourth in the Tour de France, a result that speaks volumes about his talent. At just 23 years old, Onley proved he can compete with the likes of Pogačar and Vingegaard. His breakthrough into the upper echelon of GC riders is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Dominika Włodarczyk: Upsetting the Elite
Dominika Włodarczyk, riding for UAE Team ADQ, has a tough job: upsetting the established elite core of GC riders in the women's peloton. But in 2025, she did just that, and at the prestigious Tour de France Femmes no less! Włodarczyk's performance improved as the race got tougher, netting impressive stage results and finishing fourth overall. Her debut at the French Grand Tour proved her potential as a GC racer and showcased the formidable team UAE Team ADQ has built.
Paul Seixas: The Top Prospect
Paul Seixas, riding for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, had an outrageous neo-pro season, racing much of it as an 18-year-old. His impressive results have placed him as one of the top prospects in cycling. Seixas proved his readiness, but his team wisely allowed him to build his confidence with an overall victory at the Tour de l'Avenir. His impressive performances at the World Championships and European Championships further solidified his status as a rising star.
Isabella Holmgren: A Consistent Performer
Isabella Holmgren, riding for Lidl-Trek, had a full road season in 2025, balancing her mountain biking commitments. Her crowning achievement was an overall victory at the Tour de l'Avenir, where she dominated the competition. Holmgren's consistency in elite races has cemented her breakthrough. With wins at Durango Durango and the Giro dell'Emilia, and becoming a double World Champion in mountain biking, she's proven her versatility and talent.
Matthew Brennan: Britain's New Sprint Sensation
As Mark Cavendish retired, Matthew Brennan emerged as Britain's new sprint sensation. Brennan, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, hit the ground running in his first WorldTour season. His immediate success, with 12 professional wins, has made him a name to watch. Brennan's versatility and strength have made him a valuable asset to his team and a new hope for British cycling fans.
Lara Gillespie: The Irish Sprinter
Sprinting in the women's peloton was dominated by Lorena Wiebes, but Lara Gillespie, riding for UAE Team ADQ, made her mark. Gillespie's Classics strength and consistent top-five finishes have put her on the radar. Her first win of the season at A Travers les Hauts de France and her impressive results against Wiebes and other top sprinters have solidified her place among the upper echelon of sprinters.
Romain Grégoire: The Puncheur to Watch
Romain Grégoire, riding for Groupama-FDJ, might not have the mainstream buzz, but he's definitely a rider to keep an eye on. Grégoire's consistent good results and improved stage racing record have established him as one of the foremost puncheurs in the peloton. His performances in the Ardennes Classics and the Tour de France debut have proven his talent and versatility.
Viktória Chladoňová: A Talented Junior
Viktória Chladoňová, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, is one of the talented juniors who made the jump to the Women's WorldTour in 2025. Chladoňová has proven her readiness, winning the best young rider's jersey at the Tour of Norway and finishing third in the same classification at the Giro. Her highlight was completing the double at the Slovakian National Championships, and she also impressed at the World Championships in Rwanda.
Paul Magnier: The Dominant Sprinter
Paul Magnier, riding for Soudal-QuickStep, had an incredible jump from five victories to 19 in a single season. His step up in quality and dominance in several stage races have made him a force to be reckoned with. Magnier's ability to adapt and his impressive wins, including his first WorldTour victory at the Tour de Pologne, have positioned him as a leader for the Belgian team.
Paula Blasi: A Breakthrough Year
Paula Blasi, riding for UAE Team ADQ, is a name that has been on the rise all year. Starting as an unknown, Blasi quickly impressed and moved up to the WorldTour team. Her string of top 10 finishes, wins at Gran Premio della Liberazione and the Pointe du Raz Ladies Classic, and her overall consistency have made her a rider to watch. Blasi's breakout year has firmly established her as one of the riders to keep an eye on in 2026.
Honorable Mentions
We also want to give a special mention to Monica Trinca Colonel, Tom Pidcock, Paul Seixas, Lauren Dickson, Ben Turner, Junior Lecerf, Lukáš Kubiš, Albert Withen Philipsen, and Christian Scaroni, who all had impressive breakthroughs in 2025.
As we look back at the incredible talent that emerged in 2025, we can't help but feel excited for the future of cycling. These riders have proven that cycling is a sport that constantly surprises and inspires us. Keep an eye on these names, as they are sure to make even bigger waves in the years to come!
And remember, in cycling, the road to success is often paved with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. These riders have shown us that anything is possible, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them!
