The British Conti Awards 2025: ‘Breakthrough Rider of the Year -Male’ shortlist revealed
From early-season surprises to career-shaping performances, these three riders redefined their trajectories in 2025 - and now stand shortlisted for the breakthrough honour of the year.
Selecting just three riders for the Breakthrough Rider of the Year – Male award was no easy task. The depth of talent emerging across the British scene this season has been impressive, and narrowing it down was as tough as it was exciting. After much deliberation, our panel has settled on three riders whose performances in 2025 truly marked a turning point – the moment where potential became reality.
Shortlist
Adam Howell (Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck)
Howell entered 2025 as a relative unknown – a former Surrey labourer whose standout result last season was a top-15 at the Ryedale GP with VC Meudon – and has since detonated onto the domestic scene. A surprise winter signing for Adam Ellis and Scott Redding’s Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck team, he ignited his year with a stage win at the Peaks 2-Day, added the Kennel Hill Classic, then seized the National Road Series lead with a two-up sprint victory at the East Cleveland Classic. His form travelled well too, with a stage win and fifth overall at the Tour de la Manche in France. But nothing matched his Tour of the Reservoir performance: blown out of the front early by savage crosswinds, he fought through a shattered field to take one of the most heroic wins of the season. Howell finished the year as National Road Series champion, at just 20, and sealed a contract with UCI Continental outfit Bourg-en-Bresse Ain Cyclisme for 2026. His rise has been as sudden as it has been spectacular.
Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Alex Beldon (Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck)
At just 20, Alex Beldon has produced one of the most impressive reinventions of the season, turning the collapse of Trinity Racing at the end of 2024 from a career crisis into the catalyst for a breakthrough year. Under the calm, meticulous guidance of DS Phill Maddocks at Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck, he rebuilt himself as a racer and learned how to win again, delivering a trio of standout National B victories at the PB Performance Espoirs Road Race, the Danum Trophy, and Stage 3 of the Ronde van Wymeswold. But his defining moment came under the brightest spotlight of all: 8th place in the elite men’s National Road Championships, finishing as the highest-placed amateur in a field loaded with WorldTour and ProTeam quality – a result that instantly reframed his trajectory. Poised, intelligent and increasingly ruthless in the finale of races, Beldon has emerged as one of Britain’s most exciting young prospects. His rise continues in 2026 with a move to the French DN1 squad Mayenne–V and B-Monbana.
Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Maxwell Hereward (360cycling)
Only 20, Maxwell Hereward has lived the full emotional spectrum of cycling in 2025 – agony, ecstasy and everything in between – and it has shaped one of the most quietly powerful breakthrough seasons in the country. After navigating the grief of losing his friend and teammate Aidan Worden, he rediscovered joy and freedom on the bike, telling The British Continental that this year marked a shift in how he rode and how he lived. His year brought a maiden National B victory at the Yorkshire U23 Classic, consistent results that earned him the National U23 Road Series title and a brilliant 4th place at the National Circuit Race Championships, beaten only by WorldTour and elite-level talent. Alongside outings in France and his first taste of top-level European U23 racing, Hereward showed the breadth of his ability: resilient in long, hard races, punchy on climbs and increasingly confident tactically. With a move to Zappi Racing for 2026, Hereward now takes his talent – and his renewed sense of purpose – to Italy.
Whoever lifts the Breakthrough Rider of the Year trophy will be worthy – but all three have given British domestic racing something to believe in heading into 2026.
Here we go – the first nominees for the 2025 British Conti Awards are here.
Selecting just three riders for the Breakthrough Rider of the Year – Male award was no easy task. The depth of talent emerging across the British scene this season has been impressive, and narrowing it down was as tough as it was exciting. After much deliberation, our panel has settled on three riders whose performances in 2025 truly marked a turning point – the moment where potential became reality.
Shortlist
Adam Howell (Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck)
Howell entered 2025 as a relative unknown – a former Surrey labourer whose standout result last season was a top-15 at the Ryedale GP with VC Meudon – and has since detonated onto the domestic scene. A surprise winter signing for Adam Ellis and Scott Redding’s Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck team, he ignited his year with a stage win at the Peaks 2-Day, added the Kennel Hill Classic, then seized the National Road Series lead with a two-up sprint victory at the East Cleveland Classic. His form travelled well too, with a stage win and fifth overall at the Tour de la Manche in France. But nothing matched his Tour of the Reservoir performance: blown out of the front early by savage crosswinds, he fought through a shattered field to take one of the most heroic wins of the season. Howell finished the year as National Road Series champion, at just 20, and sealed a contract with UCI Continental outfit Bourg-en-Bresse Ain Cyclisme for 2026. His rise has been as sudden as it has been spectacular.
Alex Beldon (Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck)
At just 20, Alex Beldon has produced one of the most impressive reinventions of the season, turning the collapse of Trinity Racing at the end of 2024 from a career crisis into the catalyst for a breakthrough year. Under the calm, meticulous guidance of DS Phill Maddocks at Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck, he rebuilt himself as a racer and learned how to win again, delivering a trio of standout National B victories at the PB Performance Espoirs Road Race, the Danum Trophy, and Stage 3 of the Ronde van Wymeswold. But his defining moment came under the brightest spotlight of all: 8th place in the elite men’s National Road Championships, finishing as the highest-placed amateur in a field loaded with WorldTour and ProTeam quality – a result that instantly reframed his trajectory. Poised, intelligent and increasingly ruthless in the finale of races, Beldon has emerged as one of Britain’s most exciting young prospects. His rise continues in 2026 with a move to the French DN1 squad Mayenne–V and B-Monbana.
Maxwell Hereward (360cycling)
Only 20, Maxwell Hereward has lived the full emotional spectrum of cycling in 2025 – agony, ecstasy and everything in between – and it has shaped one of the most quietly powerful breakthrough seasons in the country. After navigating the grief of losing his friend and teammate Aidan Worden, he rediscovered joy and freedom on the bike, telling The British Continental that this year marked a shift in how he rode and how he lived. His year brought a maiden National B victory at the Yorkshire U23 Classic, consistent results that earned him the National U23 Road Series title and a brilliant 4th place at the National Circuit Race Championships, beaten only by WorldTour and elite-level talent. Alongside outings in France and his first taste of top-level European U23 racing, Hereward showed the breadth of his ability: resilient in long, hard races, punchy on climbs and increasingly confident tactically. With a move to Zappi Racing for 2026, Hereward now takes his talent – and his renewed sense of purpose – to Italy.
History
Last year, Tom Williams won the inaugural Breakthrough Rider of the Year – Male award.
What’s Next
Whoever lifts the Breakthrough Rider of the Year trophy will be worthy – but all three have given British domestic racing something to believe in heading into 2026.
The winner will be unveiled next week.
Featured images: SWpix.com
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