Olympics 2025: The Cyclists to Watch

The stage is set for one of the most thrilling chapters in international cycling. As the 2025 multi-sport games approach, cycling fans around the globe are gearing up for explosive sprints, grueling climbs, and strategic breakaways. From the velodrome to the open roads and rugged mountain trails, the competition is fierce and the talent pool deeper than ever. This year, the spotlight shines not just on decorated champions, but also on an exciting new wave of athletes ready to stake their claim.

Let’s take a closer look at the cyclists to watch in 2025, including sprinting legends, rising road stars, and breakthrough riders making waves across multiple disciplines.

The Speed Machines on the Track

Matthew Richardson – Targeting the Sub‑Nine Second Mark

Few names in track cycling carry as much anticipation this year as Matthew Richardson. Known for his explosive starts and blistering acceleration, Richardson is closing in on a monumental goal—breaking the nine-second barrier in the 200-meter flying time trial. His training has reached new levels in preparation for this attempt, and his equipment setup has been fine-tuned for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. If he pulls it off, Richardson will set a new benchmark in sprint cycling and rewrite the sport’s record books.

Emma Finucane – Britain’s Rising Star

Emma Finucane has rapidly become one of the most talked-about figures in women’s sprint cycling. With multiple national and international titles under her belt, she has the rare combination of raw power, tactical acumen, and confidence under pressure. Her strong performances in sprint, keirin, and team sprint events make her a triple threat. All eyes will be on her this year as she looks to bring home multiple medals and potentially break new records.

Harrie Lavreysen – The Dutch Dominator

Lavreysen continues to set the bar high in men’s sprint events. A master tactician with unparalleled acceleration, he has consistently topped podiums in sprint, keirin, and team sprint races. His experience and relentless drive make him a formidable contender yet again, and his ability to execute under pressure makes him one of the most reliable medal favorites in 2025.

Road Racing and Time Trials: Where Endurance Meets Intelligence

Remco Evenepoel – Time Trial Titan

Remco Evenepoel has carved out a reputation as one of the most versatile and powerful road cyclists of his generation. After dominating time trials and putting in strong performances in stage races, he’s become a clear favorite for individual events in 2025. Known for his ability to maintain punishing paces and unleash unexpected attacks, Evenepoel is expected to shine in both the time trial and road race. His training regimen is focused, his confidence high, and his timing impeccable.

Demi Vollering – Dutch Tactics and Tenacity

Demi Vollering has emerged as one of the top female riders on the road, with consistent wins in stage races and classics. She combines tactical awareness with raw climbing power, making her a force to be reckoned with on hilly and mountainous terrain. Her goal this season is clear: to translate World Tour dominance into podium success at the games.

Lotte Kopecky – A Double Discipline Threat

Kopecky is a standout performer who moves fluidly between road racing and the track. Her success in one-day classics and bunch sprint finishes has elevated her to elite status. But it’s her ability to control a peloton, make decisive moves, and dominate on the track that makes her one of the most exciting all-rounders in this year’s cycling events.

Off-Road Excellence: Mountain Bike and Cyclo‑Cross Standouts

Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot – Master of All Terrains

Few athletes match the breadth and depth of Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot’s abilities. With championship titles in mountain biking, road racing, and cyclo-cross, she brings unmatched versatility to 2025. Her focus this year is mountain bike cross-country, and her technical finesse combined with elite endurance make her one of the top contenders for gold. When the terrain gets rough, Ferrand‑Prévot thrives.

Loana Lecomte – Precision and Power

A technical specialist with a smooth, efficient riding style, Loana Lecomte is a favorite in cross-country mountain biking. Her performances in previous international competitions have been nothing short of commanding. In 2025, she returns with sharper fitness and renewed focus. Expect her to take control on tough climbs and difficult descents.

Mona Mitterwallner – Climbing Specialist

Mitterwallner has become synonymous with explosive uphill riding. Known for her resilience and rapid improvements over the last two seasons, she’s entering this year’s competition as a serious threat. Her climbing ability, paired with evolving technical skills, makes her one of the more balanced riders in the field.

Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse – Cyclo‑Cross Rivals

Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse continue their epic rivalry in cyclo-cross and are now expanding their talents into other disciplines. Van Empel is known for her endurance and technical sharpness, while Pieterse thrives in aggressive, fast-paced racing. Their head-to-head matchups are among the most anticipated in the sport, and their rivalry adds drama to every race they enter.

Track Endurance and Team Events

Katie Archibald – Veteran Leadership and Fierce Focus

Katie Archibald brings leadership and experience to the British endurance squad. A master in team pursuit and Madison, she is relentless in her training and meticulous in race execution. Her ability to read a race and communicate effectively makes her a cornerstone of team events. She’s aiming for multiple medals in 2025, including an ambitious return to the top of the omnium podium.

Ally Wollaston – Versatility and Velocity

New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston is turning heads for her consistent performances across both track and road. She has already claimed significant titles in the omnium and Madison and continues to grow stronger. Her work ethic and strategic sense make her an ideal candidate for podium finishes across multiple events.

Sarah Van Dam – Canada’s Next Big Name

Van Dam has made massive strides in team pursuit and omnium disciplines. Her technical refinement and increasing power output make her a reliable force in endurance track cycling. With more international experience under her belt, 2025 could be her breakout season.

Young Talents and Emerging Threats

Ashlin Barry – The Next Gen Prodigy

Ashlin Barry, already making waves in junior events, is stepping up to elite competition with poise and promise. Known for his all-round capabilities and calm under pressure, he’s considered one of the brightest young prospects in both road and track cycling.

Isabella Holmgren – Future Star with Cross‑Discipline Strength

Holmgren’s range is extraordinary—cyclo-cross, mountain biking, and road. Her technical confidence and rising fitness have brought her into serious conversations for future elite medals. While 2025 might be her learning year, don’t be surprised to see her in a top-10 finish or higher.

Kristen Faulkner – American Breakthrough

Faulkner has been on a steady rise, delivering solid results in time trials and showing rapid improvement in mass start races. Her blend of athleticism and tactical awareness gives the US a real chance at a surprise podium this year. She’s one of those riders who can capitalize on any opportunity mid-race.

Who’s Returning from Injury or Hiatus?

Rebecca Petch – Balancing Life and Elite Racing

After a brief break to focus on personal milestones, including starting a family, Rebecca Petch is planning her competitive return. Her role in helping set a world record in the team sprint in previous years shows her elite pedigree. Her story adds inspiration to the lineup of 2025, showcasing that elite athletes can successfully balance both performance and personal life.

Mikkel Bjerg – Comeback Powerhouse

Mikkel Bjerg returns to the time trial scene after a series of injuries. Known for his engine and smooth pacing strategy, he’s aiming to re-establish himself among the world’s best. If fully recovered, his presence could shake up the expected time trial rankings.

Medal Prospects to Watch Across Disciplines

Sprint: Matthew Richardson, Emma Finucane, Harrie Lavreysen
Endurance Track: Katie Archibald, Ally Wollaston, Sarah Van Dam
Road Race: Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, Kristen Faulkner
Time Trial: Remco Evenepoel, Chloé Dygert, Mikkel Bjerg
Mountain Bike XCO: Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot, Loana Lecomte, Mona Mitterwallner
Cyclo‑Cross: Fem van Empel, Puck Pieterse
Rising Stars: Ashlin Barry, Isabella Holmgren, Rebecca Petch

Conclusion: A Year That Could Change Cycling

The 2025 games are set to be a historic showcase of human power, strategy, and resilience. From dominant veterans to breakout stars, this year’s roster is stacked with athletes ready to make headlines. These cyclists are not just riding for medals—they’re shaping the future of the sport.

Whether you’re watching from the velodrome stands, cheering roadside, or streaming from home, the action promises to be electric. Follow their journeys, learn their stories, and get ready to witness the next great chapter in cycling history.