Rider of the Year is back for 2024

After the success of the inaugural Rider of the Year Awards in 2023, MBUK, BikeRadar and Cycling Plus are preparing to return for the 2024 edition, in partnership with bicycle accessories brand, Lezyne.

And now, the organisers want your nominations and votes.

James Costley-White, MBUK editor, says: “The inaugural Rider of the Year awards in 2023 were a huge success. Our readers and social media followers nominated scores of riders, thousands of votes were cast and some very worthy winners were revealed at a bash attended by some big names from the world of mountain biking, including Steve Peat, Rachel Atherton, Brendan Fairclough and Bernard Kerr.

“Then we all went for a cracking ride at BikePark Wales. This year, thanks to the continued support from Lezyne, we’re looking forward to even more nominations, even more votes and an even bigger party.”

Readers are once again being asked to submit their shortlist suggestions for each of the three mountain bike and road categories – Rider of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement – for a panel of judges to draw up and put Rider of the Year and Newcomer of the Year to a public vote in September, while Lifetime Achievement winners will be decided by a panel from each brand.

Matt Baird, Cycling Plus editor, adds: “After a hugely successful debut season in 2023, we’re proud to be hosting Rider of the Year again in 2024.

“Last year saw our readers present a diverse selection of nominations from the various UK cycling scenes, before the interest snowballed with thousands of votes arriving to establish our overall winners.

“That was followed by a brilliant Rider of the Year awards evening in November, where the award winners delivered heartfelt, humorous and emotional speeches.”

Winners will be revealed in the December issue of the magazines, on the BikeRadar podcast, and at an exclusive ceremony in November held at the Bristol head office of MBUK, BikeRadar and Cycling Plus.

Mark Noble, head of marketing Upgrade Bikes/Lezyne, comments: “After last year’s successful inaugural Rider of The Year, we’re back for more in 2024 and with Lezyne returning as title sponsor. We knew the event would set a precedent from the outset, but I think Rider of the Year took a lot of people by surprise as to just how good it was.

“The atmosphere on the night, the people who were there, the camaraderie and the emotion from the award nominees and winners truly set the tone. When Morgan Pickstock, MBUK’s Rider of the Year and first to receive an award, choked up during his speech, it showed how much winning means to the riders. With the stage now set, year two promises to be even better, and we can’t wait.”

Here’s a reminder of each Rider of the Year category’s entry criteria

MBUK Rider of the Year Award

A rider who’s had a significant impact or made a big difference in 2024 to the mountain bike scene. This could be through competing (amateur or professional), taking part in an event or adventure, leading a group or community, or any other contribution to the sport.

MBUK Newcomer of the Year Award

A rider who’s burst onto the mountain bike scene in the past year and had a significant impact or made a big difference. Nominees can be any age and don’t have to be new to the sport, but most MBUK readers should have been unfamiliar with them prior to 2024, and they must have made a significant achievement or breakthrough this year that deserves recognition.

MBUK Lifetime Achievement Award

A veteran of the sport and someone who’s regarded as an absolute legend, either by mountain bikers as a whole, the mountain biking industry or their riding community.

Cycling Plus Rider of the Year Award

The cyclist who has made a significant impact in 2024, whether through competing at an amateur level, taking part in an event or adventure, leading a group or community, or any other contribution to the sport of cycling.

Cycling Plus Newcomer of the Year Award

A rider who’s burst onto the road or gravel scene in the past year and had a significant impact or made a big difference. Nominees can be any age and don’t have to be new to the sport, but most Cycling Plus readers should have been unfamiliar with them prior to 2024, and they must have made a significant achievement or breakthrough this year that deserves recognition.

Cycling Plus Lifetime Achievement Award

The winner will be a veteran of the sport and someone who’s known as legendary for their club contributions, epic cycling efforts or work in the cycling community.

Readers can now submit their suggestions online at mbuk.com and cyclingplus.com until Friday, August 9:

The shortlist will be announced when voting opens on Friday, August 30, with details on how and where to vote available online and in the magazine nearer the time.