Rising Stars: The Women Cyclists to Watch in 2026
The world of women’s professional cycling is brimming with talent, and 2025 showcased a new wave of riders poised for greatness. These athletes aren’t just competing; they’re redefining what’s possible. here’s a look at two cyclists who truly stood out, along with a few honorable mentions, and why you should keep a close eye on their careers.
Cat Ferguson (Team Jayco AlUla), 19
Ferguson proved that her impressive debut wasn’t a fluke.The British rider continued her rapid ascent, delivering a string of remarkable performances throughout 2025.
She began her first full WorldTour season with a podium finish at the prestigious trofeo Alfredo Binda. Ferguson consistently secured top-10 finishes throughout the spring classics.
Her biggest victory came on home soil at the tour of Britain in June, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with. Ferguson is clearly a rider on the move, and her trajectory is incredibly exciting.
Now, with a focused commitment to road cycling after exploring track and cyclocross, she has a clear path to accelerate her already impressive career. You can expect to see even more from this dynamic athlete.
Paula Blasi (UAE Team ADQ), 22
Blasi emerged as Spain’s cycling all-rounder in 2025, quickly making a name for herself on the WorldTour stage. Her versatility is truly remarkable.
This year,the 22-year-old achieved meaningful milestones,including winning the U23 European Championship.She also secured a podium finish at the U23 World Championships and claimed a stage victory at the WorldTour-level Tour de Romandie.
Blasi’s prowess extends beyond paved roads, as evidenced by her impressive 5th-place finish at the challenging Traka 200 gravel race, competing against specialist off-road riders. Remarkably, Blasi dedicated herself fully to cycling only at the beginning of 2024.
Prior to that, she excelled in duathlon during her junior years. Duathlon’s loss is undoubtedly cycling’s gain,and you’ll wont to follow her journey as she continues to dominate across disciplines.
Honorable Mentions:
Keep these rising stars on your radar as well:
* Viktória Chladoňová (Visma-Lease a Bike)
* Nienke Vinke (Picnic-PostNL)
* Isabella holmgren (Lidl-Trek)
* Dominika Włodarczyk (UAE team ADQ)
These young women represent the future of cycling, and their dedication, talent, and drive are inspiring to watch. You’re witnessing the beginning of some truly extraordinary careers.
