Olympics 2025: The Cyclists to Watch

As the countdown to Olympics 2025 continues, fans around the globe are gearing up for one of the most exciting events in the sporting calendar. And among the many competitions to follow, cycling stands out as one of the most thrilling and dynamic. From the tactical battles on the velodrome to the fierce climbs of the road race, the cycling events in Paris promise world-class action. This year’s Olympic Games will see the return of cycling’s biggest stars and the rise of new talent ready to make their mark. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, this comprehensive guide highlights the cyclists to watch across road, track, mountain bike, and BMX disciplines.

The Scope of Olympic Cycling in 2025

Cycling at the Olympics is split into five main disciplines:

Road Cycling: Road race and individual time trial
Track Cycling: Sprint, keirin, team pursuit, omnium, madison
Mountain Biking: Cross-country events
BMX Racing: High-speed obstacle racing
BMX Freestyle: Tricks and stunts on ramps and jumps

Each event brings different skills, strategies, and types of athletes to the stage. Paris 2025 will host all events at carefully designed venues, including the stunning Champs-Élysées finish for the road race and the Vélodrome National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines for track cycling. Let’s take a closer look at the top cyclists to watch in each discipline.

Road Cycling: Power, Precision, and Pain

Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)

When it comes to men’s road cycling, few names shine as brightly as Tadej Pogačar. The two-time Tour de France winner is widely regarded as one of the most complete cyclists of his generation. Known for his attacking style and relentless climbing ability, Pogačar will be a key contender in both the road race and time trial.

Age: 26
Notable Wins: Tour de France (2020, 2021), Il Lombardia, Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Olympic 2025 Outlook: Perfectly suited to the Paris course, which features punchy climbs and technical descents

Pogačar is not just a strong rider—he’s a brilliant tactician. His fans and rivals alike will be watching closely.

Lotte Kopecky (Belgium)

Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky has had a meteoric rise in women’s cycling. She excels in both road and track events and enters Paris 2025 as one of the most versatile cyclists in the field.

Strengths: Sprint finishes, endurance, and tactical awareness
Recent Highlights: Wins at Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche, podium finishes in world championships
Events to Watch: Women’s road race, Madison, Omnium

Kopecky’s ability to control a race and time her efforts makes her a strong medal favorite.

Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)

Evenepoel missed the Tokyo Olympics due to injury, but he’s back with a vengeance. The 2022 world time trial champion and 2023 Vuelta a España winner is a powerhouse in the individual time trial and an unpredictable force in one-day races.

Specialty: Time trial and solo breakaways
Age: 25
Olympic Potential: Top contender for gold in the time trial

His ability to hold sustained power over long distances makes him one of the most exciting riders to watch.

Track Cycling: Explosive Speed and Strategy

Harrie Lavreysen (Netherlands)

Dutch track cyclist Harrie Lavreysen dominated the Tokyo 2021 Games and continues to be the man to beat in the sprint disciplines. His raw power and flawless starts make him nearly unbeatable in one-on-one duels.

Events: Sprint, Keirin, Team Sprint
Achievements: Multiple World and Olympic gold medals
Strengths: Acceleration, positioning, and consistency

Lavreysen’s form remains rock solid, and if he maintains his dominance, he could once again leave with multiple medals.

Katie Archibald (Great Britain)

One of the most respected names in women’s track cycling, Katie Archibald returns to the Olympic stage with plenty to prove. A gold medalist in the Madison in Tokyo, she is known for her relentless energy and race intelligence.

Events: Madison, Omnium, Team Pursuit
Strengths: Team coordination, endurance, and race tactics
Comeback Story: After facing injuries and personal tragedy, her return is one of the most anticipated in Olympic cycling

Expect fireworks in the Madison, where Archibald will likely partner with another powerhouse British rider.

Mountain Biking: Grit, Technique, and Terrain

Tom Pidcock (Great Britain)

Tom Pidcock shocked the world when he took gold in mountain biking at Tokyo 2021. Since then, he has balanced a career in both road cycling and mountain biking, continuing to win across all formats.

Age: 26
Highlights: Olympic gold, stage wins in the Tour de France, world champion in cyclocross
Strengths: Technical skills, explosive climbs, versatility

Pidcock’s mastery of bike handling and physical conditioning makes him the top favorite for gold once again.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (France)

A true icon in women’s cycling, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is the reigning world champion in mountain biking and will have the advantage of racing on home soil in Paris.

Disciplines: Cross-country mountain biking
Notable Achievements: Multiple-time world champion in mountain bike, cyclocross, and road
Olympic Goals: Aiming to complete her collection with Olympic gold

This could be a career-defining performance for the French star.

BMX Racing and Freestyle: Pure Adrenaline

Bethany Shriever (Great Britain)

One of the biggest surprises of Tokyo 2021, Bethany Shriever took gold in BMX Racing and has continued to show incredible form.

Strengths: Explosive power out of the gate, cornering technique
Age: 26
2025 Goals: Defend her Olympic title

Shriever’s work ethic and composure under pressure make her one of the most consistent performers in BMX.

Kye Whyte (Great Britain)

A silver medalist in 2021, Kye Whyte brings flair, fearlessness, and crowd-pleasing style to the BMX track. Known as “The Prince of Peckham,” Whyte is one of the most exciting athletes to watch in any cycling event.

Known for: Aggressive starts and spectacular jumps
Injury Comeback: Has returned to top form in recent European events
Medal Hopes: Strong potential for gold if he rides clean

Logan Martin (Australia) – BMX Freestyle

In BMX Freestyle, Logan Martin is still the man to beat. The gold medalist from Tokyo brings unmatched skill and creativity to the ramp.

Trick Arsenal: Tailwhips, backflips, bar spins, and beyond
Competitive Edge: Combines difficulty with consistency
Event to Watch: BMX Freestyle Park Final

He’ll face stiff competition, but Martin’s ability to deliver under pressure gives him the edge.

Rising Stars to Watch

While big names dominate the headlines, Olympics 2025 is also about discovering new talent. Here are a few emerging riders who could surprise:

Zoe Bäckstedt (Great Britain): A multi-discipline talent at just 20, excelling in road and cyclocross
Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands): Already a global star, his participation across road and MTB adds intrigue
Ronja Eibl (Germany): Promising mountain biker with top finishes in U23 World Cup races
Colby Simmons (USA): A young rider gaining traction in road cycling, following in the footsteps of his brother Quinn

Key Storylines for aris 2025

Comebacks and Farewells

Paris 2025 will likely be the final Olympic appearance for several legends. Annemiek van Vleuten, one of the most dominant female cyclists of the past decade, may hang up her Olympic cleats after this Games. On the other side, young talents like Zoe Bäckstedt and Remco Evenepoel are just beginning their Olympic journeys.

Home Soil Advantage

French cyclists, including Victor Lafay on the road and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot off-road, will have the rare opportunity to compete in front of home fans. Expect passionate crowds and inspired performances.

Multi-Discipline Champions

Athletes like Tom Pidcock and Lotte Kopecky prove that success across disciplines is not only possible but increasingly common. Watch for riders competing in both track and road or road and mountain bike.

Conclusion: Get Ready for Olympic Cycling in 2025

Olympic cycling in 2025 will deliver drama, athleticism, and unforgettable moments across every discipline. Whether you follow the epic climbs of the road race or the lightning-fast showdowns on the track, the Games in Paris promise a showcase of the world’s most skilled cyclists. From veterans aiming to cement their legacy to newcomers hoping to launch theirs, every race offers the chance to witness history.