Let’s face it: predicting the future of sports is a fool’s errand—but that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling. And this is the part most people miss: the beauty of sports lies in their unpredictability. So, when Joe Lindsey and I sat down at the end of 2024 to forecast the 2025 season, I wasn’t just wrong—I was spectacularly wrong. But isn’t that the point? If everything went according to plan, where’s the excitement? My wildly off-the-mark predictions only underscore how electrifying the 2025 season turned out to be. So, naturally, I’m doubling down and taking another swing at what 2026 might hold. But here’s where it gets controversial: are predictions even worth making if they’re bound to be wrong? Or is the act of speculating part of what keeps us hooked?
In the first installment of our 2025 crystal-ball gazing, we turned our attention to the riders who would light up the season. Predictions are inherently absurd, but that’s precisely why they’re so entertaining. Let’s rewind and revisit my five bold forecasts for 2025—and see just how far off (or occasionally on) the mark I was.
How quickly would Anna van der Breggen reclaim her throne?
Before the season kicked off, I confidently predicted that Van der Breggen would waste no time returning to the top step of the podium. This wasn’t just a wild guess—it was based on reports from her teammates, who claimed she was leaving them in the dust during training, and her second-place finish at The Traka 100k behind SD Worx-Protime’s Marie Schreiber. And while she didn’t win right away, she did secure a podium spot in her first race back, finishing third in the opening stage of Setmana Valenciana. Her first victory came in May, with a commanding win in the fourth stage of the Vuelta a España Femenina.
That lone victory might seem underwhelming, but let’s not forget her remarkable consistency: second in the ITT at Worlds, third in the European road race, third overall at the Vuelta, and second at Strade Bianche. For her first year back in the peloton, that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Van der Breggen also raced more days than Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who faced setbacks like her Strade Bianche injury, and demonstrated a level of consistency that was hard to ignore.
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m betting Van der Breggen will notch more than one victory. She hit her stride toward the end of the 2025 season, proving she’s fully reacquainted with the demands of elite racing. Plus, with SD Worx-Protime likely leaning on her to lead the team in general classifications—especially given Lotte Kopecky’s uncertain GC future—the stage is set for her to shine even brighter.
How would Pauline Ferrand-Prévot fare in her return to the road?
When comparing Van der Breggen’s comeback to Ferrand-Prévot’s, I initially thought the latter would struggle more to reintegrate into the road peloton. While Van der Breggen had been away, she remained closely connected to the sport, even coaching Demi Vollering to a Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift victory. Ferrand-Prévot, on the other hand, seemed further removed from the current dynamics of road racing. But did my assumption hold up? That’s a debate for another day—and one I’d love to hear your thoughts on in the comments.
The Bigger Question: Are predictions a pointless exercise, or do they add to the excitement of sports? Let me know where you stand—and whether you think I’ll be any less wrong about 2026!
