Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the 2025 cycling season, a year that will forever be etched in the hearts of cycling enthusiasts!
A Year of Unparalleled Excitement
As we eagerly anticipate the 2026 season, let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisit the thrilling moments of the previous year in men's road cycling. The sport, with its seasonal rhythm, takes us from the warm races in Australia and the Middle East to the iconic spring classics in northern Europe, and finally, to the three Grand Tours, each with its own unique charm and challenges.
The Transfer Market: A New Trend?
But here's where it gets interesting - the early winter close-season is no longer just about rest and recovery. It's now a period dominated by high-stakes rider trades, transforming cycling's transfer market into a spectacle reminiscent of football's transfer window.
A Year in 12 Captivating Snaps
So, without further ado, let's dive into 12 snapshots that encapsulate the essence of this memorable year:
January: The Tour Down Under - A Shimmering Start
The first WorldTour race of the season, held in the sunny state of South Australia, exudes an optimistic vibe. For European and North American riders, it's an escape from winter's chill, a chance to showcase their new kits, bikes, and, for some, new teams. But sometimes, the close-up view can be a little too intimate...
February: Tadej Pogacar's Dominance
Tadej Pogacar, a familiar sight throughout the year, is pictured on the wide climb of Jebel Hafeet during the UAE Tour. His victory here marked his first stage race win of the season, a sign of things to come.
March: Strade Bianche - A Growing Monument
The unofficial campaign to elevate Strade Bianche to the status of a Monument gains momentum each year. This race, held on the white gravel roads of Tuscany, is highly anticipated. The 2025 edition saw an intense battle between Pogacar (twice the winner) and Tom Pidcock, with Pogacar emerging victorious after a thrilling comeback.
April: Numbers Game - The Underdog's Victory
Bike racing is all about numbers, but sometimes, the underdog surprises us. In Dwars door Vlaanderen, Neilson Powless of EF Education-EasyPost outsmarted three Visma–Lease a Bike riders, including the mighty Wout van Aert. Van Aert's confidence in winning a sprint against Powless backfired, and the team's golden opportunity was lost. A lesson in teamwork, perhaps?
May: Giro d'Italia - Simon Yates' Redemption
Stage 20 of the Giro d'Italia was a day to remember. Simon Yates' comeback on the gravel slopes of Colle delle Finestre, where he had previously collapsed, was nothing short of remarkable. He turned a 1:21 deficit into an unassailable lead, leaving his rivals in the dust. But let's not forget Chris Harper, the stage winner, whose achievement often gets overshadowed by the GC drama.
June: Criterium du Dauphine - A Solar Eclipse on Wheels
The opening stage of the Criterium du Dauphine witnessed an extraordinary event - the sport's four biggest names battling it out in a deluxe breakaway. Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, and Remco Evenepoel dominated the stage, with Pogacar taking the win in a thrilling sprint finish.
July: Tour de France - A Sport for the Masses
Road cycling remains one of the few major sports where fans can enjoy the action up close and personal, free of charge. But there are those who advocate for a change, suggesting that cycling should follow the model of other sports. The ASO, however, disagrees, at least for now, keeping the sport accessible to all.
August: Matthew Brennan - A Rising Star
Keep an eye on Matthew Brennan, the young English phenom who turned 20 in August. With 14 wins under his belt this year, he's breaking records and proving his versatility. His team, Visma-Lease a Bike, recognized his talent early on, extending his contract until 2029. A wise move, indeed!
September: Remco Evenepoel's Dominance in Time Trials
Remco Evenepoel celebrated his third consecutive time trial victory at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda. The Belgian is now just one win away from equaling the record held by Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin. But his focus in 2026 will be on his new team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, after a big-money transfer.
October: Pogacar's One-Day Dominance
Tadej Pogacar, the 27-year-old phenom, dominated Il Lombardia for the fifth consecutive year. His prowess in one-day races is unmatched, and he's just one win away from completing his set of Monuments. Will Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix be his next conquests? Stay tuned!
November: Geraint Thomas' Retirement
Geraint Thomas, Wales' 2018 Tour de France winner, officially retired in November. But his retirement was short-lived as he was immediately appointed as the director of racing for INEOS Grenadiers. A new chapter begins for Thomas in 2026, with a shiny new signing to boot!
December: Pogacar's Pre-Season Training
Eastern Spain, particularly Benidorm, remains the pre-season training ground of choice for the WorldTour peloton. Pogacar, ever the competitor, set a new best time up the Coll de Rates climb, proving that even in the off-season, the training is intense.
As we welcome 2026, let's reflect on the incredible moments of 2025 and look forward to the new season with anticipation and excitement!
