Matthew Brennan: International-Based Rider of the Year
Matthew Brennan, awarded International-Based Rider of the Year, showcased remarkable talent in 2024 with notable wins and performances, earning a spot in the WorldTour for 2025.
Theย International-Based Rider of the Yearย award celebrates British riders competing abroad who have delivered standout performances on the global stage. This year,ย Matthew Brennanย takes the honour, capping off an exceptional season that saw him emerge as one of the most exciting young sprinters in the sport.
At just 19 years old,ย Matthew Brennanย has already announced himself as one of British cyclingโs brightest prospects. Theย International-Based Rider of the Yearย award recognises his remarkable achievements during a debut season that blended speed, resilience, and tactical intelligence. Competing for theย Visma | Lease A Bike Development Team, the Rayner Foundation-supported rider delivered an array of standout performances, earning him a move to theย WorldTourย for 2025.
I knew during training camps that I had good legs, but you never expect to go and win your first two races of the season
A Stunning Start to U23 Racing
For many riders, the transition from junior to under-23 racing is a challenging leap, but Matthew Brennan seemed to take it in stride. His 2024 campaign began with a bang, claiming victories in his first two U23 races: theย Trofej Umagย and Poreฤ Trophy.
Reflecting on his debut, Brennan told The British Continental: “As a first-year U23, youโre not sure what to expect when you come into an older peloton. I knew during training camps that I had good legs, but you never expect to go and win your first two races of the season.” These wins signalled that Brennan was ready to take on elite-level competitionโand succeed.
A Season of Highlights
Brennanโs season was packed with standout moments, none more significant than his stage win at the Giro Next Gen (2.2U), the under-23 equivalent of the Giro dโItalia. On one of the sportโs biggest proving grounds for young riders, Brennan showcased his potential as a stage racer, combining tactical awareness with raw power to claim victory.
Brennanโs success extended beyond his victories. He finishedย 4th overall at the Orlen Nations Grand Prix, showcasing his stage-racing prowess, and delivered an impressiveย 11th place at the National Road Championships, competing against seasoned professionals.
Iโve come away having learned a lot. Itโs been a really good year in terms of race results and hitting my goals that I set at the start of the season
Another highlight came at the Circuit de Wallonie, where Brennan sprinted to an impressive third place behind WorldTour stars Arnaud De Lie and Axel Zingle. Beating seasoned professionals like Jake Stewart and Luca Mozzato in the bunch finish, Brennan demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
“Itโs been a good season, and Iโve come away having learned a lot. Itโs been a really good year in terms of race results and hitting my goals that I set at the start of the season,” Brennan says. “I think one of my favourite trips was the Orlen Nations Cup with the national team. I had good legs, but it was also a squad full of mates that Iโve known for a long time, and I think that makes those trips that little bit better.”
Image: Zac Williams/SWpix.com
Graduating to the WorldTour
Brennanโs 2024 performances earned him a coveted spot on the Visma | Lease A Bike WorldTour Team for 2025, marking the next step in his career. With a clear focus on continued development, Brennan is already setting his sights on new challenges.
“Iโd like to prepare well this winter and try to get to a similar level as last season,”ย he says.ย “Hopefully, a year on, Iโll be a little bit stronger and have more capacity for the longer, harder races. Iโll sit down with my coaches at the December training camp to talk about what 2025 will look like, and weโll go from there.” The jump to the WorldTour is a big step, but Brennanโs maturity, work ethic, and talent suggest heโs more than ready to take it on.
Why He Stands Out
What makes Brennanโs story so compelling is not just his results but the way he has achieved them. From his dominant performances in his first U23 races to his ability to mix it with WorldTour riders, Brennan has shown that heโs not just part of the pelotonโheโs a rider who can shape the race.
Winning this award is an honour, and itโs recognition of how far Iโve come in a short time. But thereโs still so much more I want to achieve
This season wasnโt just about winning; it was about learning and proving himself.ย “This year has been about progression,”ย Brennan said.ย “Winning this award is an honour, and itโs recognition of how far Iโve come in a short time. But thereโs still so much more I want to achieve.”
A Worthy Winner
Matthew Brennanโs 2024 season was a masterclass in what a first-year under-23 rider can achieve with determination, talent, and the right support. His victories, including at the Trofej Umag, Poreฤ Trophy, and Giro Next Gen, alongside his podium at the Circuit de Wallonie, have made him one of the most exciting young riders in British cycling.
As he steps into the WorldTour, the cycling world will be watching to see what this exceptional young talent can achieve next.
Featured image: Elliot Keen/British Cycling via SWpix.com
Theย International-Based Rider of the Yearย award celebrates British riders competing abroad who have delivered standout performances on the global stage. This year,ย Matthew Brennanย takes the honour, capping off an exceptional season that saw him emerge as one of the most exciting young sprinters in the sport.
See theย nominees.
At just 19 years old,ย Matthew Brennanย has already announced himself as one of British cyclingโs brightest prospects. Theย International-Based Rider of the Yearย award recognises his remarkable achievements during a debut season that blended speed, resilience, and tactical intelligence. Competing for theย Visma | Lease A Bike Development Team, the Rayner Foundation-supported rider delivered an array of standout performances, earning him a move to theย WorldTourย for 2025.
A Stunning Start to U23 Racing
For many riders, the transition from junior to under-23 racing is a challenging leap, but Matthew Brennan seemed to take it in stride. His 2024 campaign began with a bang, claiming victories in his first two U23 races: theย Trofej Umagย and Poreฤ Trophy.
Reflecting on his debut, Brennan told The British Continental: “As a first-year U23, youโre not sure what to expect when you come into an older peloton. I knew during training camps that I had good legs, but you never expect to go and win your first two races of the season.” These wins signalled that Brennan was ready to take on elite-level competitionโand succeed.
A Season of Highlights
Brennanโs season was packed with standout moments, none more significant than his stage win at the Giro Next Gen (2.2U), the under-23 equivalent of the Giro dโItalia. On one of the sportโs biggest proving grounds for young riders, Brennan showcased his potential as a stage racer, combining tactical awareness with raw power to claim victory.
Brennanโs success extended beyond his victories. He finishedย 4th overall at the Orlen Nations Grand Prix, showcasing his stage-racing prowess, and delivered an impressiveย 11th place at the National Road Championships, competing against seasoned professionals.
Another highlight came at the Circuit de Wallonie, where Brennan sprinted to an impressive third place behind WorldTour stars Arnaud De Lie and Axel Zingle. Beating seasoned professionals like Jake Stewart and Luca Mozzato in the bunch finish, Brennan demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
“Itโs been a good season, and Iโve come away having learned a lot. Itโs been a really good year in terms of race results and hitting my goals that I set at the start of the season,” Brennan says. “I think one of my favourite trips was the Orlen Nations Cup with the national team. I had good legs, but it was also a squad full of mates that Iโve known for a long time, and I think that makes those trips that little bit better.”
Graduating to the WorldTour
Brennanโs 2024 performances earned him a coveted spot on the Visma | Lease A Bike WorldTour Team for 2025, marking the next step in his career. With a clear focus on continued development, Brennan is already setting his sights on new challenges.
“Iโd like to prepare well this winter and try to get to a similar level as last season,”ย he says.ย “Hopefully, a year on, Iโll be a little bit stronger and have more capacity for the longer, harder races. Iโll sit down with my coaches at the December training camp to talk about what 2025 will look like, and weโll go from there.” The jump to the WorldTour is a big step, but Brennanโs maturity, work ethic, and talent suggest heโs more than ready to take it on.
Why He Stands Out
What makes Brennanโs story so compelling is not just his results but the way he has achieved them. From his dominant performances in his first U23 races to his ability to mix it with WorldTour riders, Brennan has shown that heโs not just part of the pelotonโheโs a rider who can shape the race.
This season wasnโt just about winning; it was about learning and proving himself.ย “This year has been about progression,”ย Brennan said.ย “Winning this award is an honour, and itโs recognition of how far Iโve come in a short time. But thereโs still so much more I want to achieve.”
A Worthy Winner
Matthew Brennanโs 2024 season was a masterclass in what a first-year under-23 rider can achieve with determination, talent, and the right support. His victories, including at the Trofej Umag, Poreฤ Trophy, and Giro Next Gen, alongside his podium at the Circuit de Wallonie, have made him one of the most exciting young riders in British cycling.
As he steps into the WorldTour, the cycling world will be watching to see what this exceptional young talent can achieve next.
Featured image: Elliot Keen/British Cycling via SWpix.com
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