Whether you’re a devoted fan of women’s cycling or just beginning to explore the sport, 2025 is the perfect time to dive in. There is way, waaay too much talent in women’s cycling to cover in one article — but this guide is intended to highlight a few of the top names to follow, giving you a front-row seat to the athletes shaping the future of cycling. That being said, one of the things we love most about women’s racing is that it tends to be unpredictable, so expect to see this list evolve as the season unfolds!
In the meantime — here are some of the top women cyclists to watch in 2025, spanning the breadth of cycling disciplines.
Road cycling
Marianne Vos
The Dutch superstar needs no introduction. Known as the most versatile cyclist of her generation, Marianne Vos has excelled across road, cyclo-cross, and track. At 36, Vos remains a force to be reckoned with, consistently challenging top riders and proving her resilience. In 2025, expect her to dominate in one-day classics while playing a pivotal role in team strategies during stage races.
Lotte Kopecky
After an exceptional 2024 season where she clinched 16 wins on the road, including triumphs in high-profile races such as Paris-Roubaix, Strade Bianche, and Nokere Koerse, Lotte Kopecky is poised to continue her stellar form. The Belgian rider’s power and tactical intelligence make her a standout in one-day races, and she’s increasingly becoming a threat in stage races as well.
Demi Vollering
Demi Vollering’s star has been rising steadily, and 2025 could solidify her as one of the greatest stage racers of her era. After a tumultuous 2024 that saw her endure a bad crash and the loss of the yellow jersey, the 28-year-old has joined FDJ-Suez, who have built a squad centered around her GC ambitions. Vollering’s combination of climbing prowess and time-trialing ability makes her a favorite for grand tours and week-long stage races. Fans are eager to see if she can repeat her dominance on cycling’s biggest stages.
Kasia Niewiadoma
A fan favorite known for her aggressive racing style and fearless attacks, Kasia Niewiadoma took the top spot at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and remains a major player in the peloton. The Polish rider shines in hilly classics and stage races, with a knack for creating excitement on the toughest terrains. In 2025, expect Niewiadoma to target the classics and remain a strong contender in the general classification of marquee stage races like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Her relentless spirit and panache make her a must-watch rider this season.
Newcomers to watch
The influx of young talent in road cycling continues to excite fans. Keep an eye on emerging riders from the U23 ranks, such as Gaia Realini and Julie De Wilde, who are making the leap to the WorldTour level. Their climbing skills and aggressive racing styles signal bright futures ahead.
Mountain biking
Loana Lecomte
Loana Lecomte has firmly established herself as one of the premier cross-country mountain bikers in the world. With her technical finesse and consistent podium finishes, the French rider is expected to dominate the 2025 World Cup circuit. Her tactical racing style and ability to handle high-pressure situations make her a standout.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
A legend across multiple disciplines, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot continues to be a major contender in mountain biking. Having already claimed numerous World Championships, she’s set to defend her titles and explore new challenges in the marathon and cross-country disciplines. Fans are eager to see what heights she can reach in 2025.
Mona Mitterwallner
At just 23 years old, Mona Mitterwallner is part of the new wave of mountain biking talent. The Austrian rider’s explosive climbing ability and fearlessness on technical descents make her one to watch as she seeks to claim her first senior World Championship.
Emerging Talent
Keep an eye on up-and-comers like Swiss rider Janina Wust and American Haley Batten, both of whom have been making waves in the U23 circuit and are poised to break into elite-level success.
Track cycling
Katie Archibald
Katie Archibald has been a dominant force in track cycling, particularly in endurance events like the omnium and Madison. The British rider, a multiple Olympic and World Champion, will be aiming to further cement her legacy in 2025, with a focus on the World Championships and upcoming qualifiers for Paris 2028.
Mathilde Gros
A powerhouse in sprint events, Mathilde Gros has become a standout name for France. Known for her explosive starts and unmatched speed, she’s a favorite for gold in the sprint and keirin events in 2025. Her rivalry with other top sprinters promises thrilling matchups.
Rising Stars
Young talents like Lea Sophie Friedrich from Germany and Australia’s Maeve Plouffe are proving their mettle in both team and individual events. They’re expected to light up the track in 2025.
Cyclo-cross
Fem van Empel
Fem van Empel’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, with multiple World Cup wins and a World Championship title. Her technical skills and powerful accelerations make her the rider to beat as she defends her titles in 2025.
Puck Pieterse
Another young Dutch phenom, Puck Pieterse has emerged as van Empel’s fiercest rival. Their battles on the cyclocross circuit have thrilled fans, and 2025 promises more high-stakes showdowns between these two stars.
Zoe Bäckstedt
Stepping into the elite ranks with confidence, Zoe Bäckstedt is quickly making a name for herself. The British rider’s aggressive style and determination suggest a bright future in cyclocross and beyond.
Gravel racing
Amity Rockwell
As a former Unbound Gravel winner, Amity Rockwell remains a key figure in the growing discipline of gravel racing. Her endurance and experience in long-distance events make her a favorite for 2025’s biggest races.
Sarah Sturm
Known for her versatility and community-driven approach to the sport, Sarah Sturm continues to be a standout in the gravel scene. Her balance of competitive spirit and advocacy for inclusivity in cycling makes her an athlete worth watching.
New faces in gravel
Riders transitioning from road or mountain biking are bringing fresh energy to gravel racing. Watch for cyclists like Sofia Gomez Villafane and Haley Smith, who are increasingly focusing on gravel events.
BMX
Bethany Shriever
Olympic champion Bethany Shriever has consistently dominated the BMX race scene. Her explosive power and technical precision make her a perennial favorite for World Championships and Olympic qualifiers in 2025.
Rising riders
Young talents like American Payton Ridenour and Dutch rider Merel Smulders are stepping up their game, delivering thrilling performances on the BMX circuit. Expect them to challenge established stars throughout the season.
What makes 2025 unique?
The 2025 season promises to be a landmark year for women’s cycling. Increased investment, greater media coverage, and expanded race calendars across all disciplines are creating opportunities for athletes to shine. With more televised events and fan engagement, this is a pivotal moment for the sport.
These riders are not only pushing the boundaries of what’s possible but also inspiring a new generation of cyclists. Keep an eye on these incredible athletes as they define the future of women’s cycling, and stay tuned for our coverage of important races and events where you can see their talents shine!
