Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of cycling predictions! The future is unpredictable, but that's what makes it so thrilling! Last year, I embarked on a bold journey, making some (not-so) outrageous forecasts for the 2025 racing season. As a passionate cycling enthusiast, I couldn't resist the annual tradition of predicting winners, even if it meant stepping out on a limb. And boy, did I have some interesting takes!
But here's where it gets controversial... with the dominant force of Tadej Pogačar, predicting his wins might seem like a no-brainer. However, I decided to shake things up and go for some truly audacious outcomes. So, let's see how my predictions fared against the unpredictable chaos of the 2025 season.
Prediction No. 1: Tom Pidcock's Vuelta Surprise
Outcome: 3/5
I had a hunch that Tom Pidcock, or 'Pidders' as we fondly call him, could make a significant impact if he dedicated himself fully to road racing. And he certainly delivered! His move to Q36.5 was a game-changer, and he dominated with his first GC win at the AlUla Tour. He went head-to-head with Pogačar at Strade Bianche, proving his mettle. The big question was the Vuelta. I predicted a shocking win, but with Jonas Vingegaard in the mix, it was an uphill battle. Pidcock surprised everyone with a close third, setting the stage for an even more exciting 2026. Will he conquer the Tour de France? Only time will tell, but he might just keep us on the edge of our seats with more (not-so) outrageous predictions!
Prediction No. 2: Tadej Pogačar's Paris-Roubaix Conquest
Outcome: 4/5
Remember when the idea of Pogačar racing Paris-Roubaix seemed insane? Well, he proved the naysayers wrong! His debut was nothing short of spectacular, almost pulling off the impossible. I believe he could have beaten Mathieu van der Poel on the Carrefour de l'Arbre, but a slight mistake kept him from claiming the French granite. Van der Poel remains Pogi's biggest rival, but only on favorable terrain. Let's hope for a rematch in 2026, as predicting Pogačar's win might not be so outrageous then!
Prediction No. 3: Chloé Dygert's Classic Dominance
Outcome: 2/5
When Chloé Dygert is at her best, she's a force to be reckoned with. Her power and conviction are unmatched. After witnessing her heroic ride at the 2024 Zürich worlds, I predicted a breakout year for her on the road. The northern classics seemed like her perfect playground, but it didn't quite pan out as expected. She showed potential with a sixth at Milan-San Remo and eighth at Paris-Roubaix. Considering her near-career-ending crash, just seeing her compete in these tough races is remarkable. I might have to stick with this prediction for 2026, as she's a true fighter!
Prediction No. 4: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's French Triumph
Outcome: 5/5
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, or PFP, announced her intentions after winning gold at the 2024 Olympics, and I knew she meant business. Joining Visma-Lease a Bike was a strategic move, and it paid off! She created controversy with her double-win in the French Alps, but she's a true professional. Her talent and diversity on the bike are unmatched, except perhaps by Marianne Vos. Predicting her to win another yellow in 2026 might not seem so far-fetched now!
Prediction No. 5: Primož Roglič's Tour Revenge
Outcome: 1/5
I had high hopes for Primož Roglič, but the cycling gods didn't cooperate. After winning Catalunya and taking pink at the Giro, there was a glimmer of hope. But a crash at the Giro seemed to take the wind out of his sails. He never truly shone at the Tour, and a tepid eighth place was a disappointment. At 36, this might be his last hurrah. With rising stars like Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz, Roglič might shift his focus to the Vuelta in 2026.
And this is the part most people miss... the beauty of cycling is its unpredictability. So, what are your (not-so) outrageous predictions for 2026? Share your thoughts, and let's keep the cycling community buzzing!
