The polls are officially open for the 2026 MBUK and Cycling Plus Rider of the Year awards, and it is your turn to decide which athletes will be honoured this time around.
Following a thorough selection process carried out by a panel of specialists, the finalists have now been announced. From here, it is up to the readers to determine who takes home the titles of Rider of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
For the mountain biking community, MBUK has narrowed things down to eight nominees in each category this year, a slight reduction from the ten that were put forward in previous editions.
The Lifetime Achievement honour will be decided separately by our judging panel rather than through the public vote.
You can browse the full list of nominees and register your choice on the MBUK Rider of the Year 2026 voting page.
- Vote for MBUK Rider of the Year 2026
If you lean more towards drop-bar riding, Cycling Plus is also calling on its readers to help select its Rider of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
As with MBUK, the Lifetime Achievement recipient will be handpicked by our panel.
Simply visit the Cycling Plus Rider of the Year 2026 voting page to review the shortlisted names and submit your vote.
- Vote for Cycling Plus Rider of the Year 2026
There is not much time left to make your voice heard, as voting for both sets of awards will shut down on 14 October.
The big reveal is set for an exclusive awards ceremony taking place on 26 November. After that, the winners will be featured in the January editions of MBUK and Cycling Plus, as well as on BikeRadar.
So whether the rider you are backing has been dominating World Cup courses, lighting up the tarmac, or accomplishing something entirely unique on two wheels, there is no better moment to show your support.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Lezyne for their ongoing backing of these awards. —
