NOTE: Voting opens Friday 1 September 2023
Who’s your Rider of the Year? The exciting young racer turning heads on the track or the old favourite returning to show them how it’s done? The YouTuber who gets you stoked to ride or the freerider who scares you to death?
The old guy/girl who’s still charging or the tiny kid with impossible skills? Or is it one of the unsung heroes of the sport – the trail builder, photographer, MTB advocate or charity founder putting in the work behind the scenes to make things better for everyone?
We want to hear from you, because this autumn we’ll be handing out our inaugural MBUK Rider of the Year awards, presented by Lezyne. To kick things off, we want your suggestions, in three categories – Rider of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. Then we’ll draw up some shortlists, before the first two categories are put to a public vote right here on MBUK.com.
All three winners will be revealed at an exclusive ceremony in November, supported by Wiper and True brewery, and in the December issue of the mag, with the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award being decided upon by a panel of expert judges.
The categories
Rider of the Year
We’re looking for the mountain biker who’s had the most significant impact or made the biggest difference in 2023, whether through competition (amateur or professional), taking part in an event or adventure, leading a group or community, or any other contribution to the sport.
Newcomer of the Year
The same criteria apply, but we’re looking for someone who wasn’t a big name in 2022, and maybe still isn’t. They don’t have to be young or new to the sport, but most MBUK readers should have been unfamiliar with them prior to 2023, and they must have done something this year that deserves recognition.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This one’s pretty self-explanatory – the winner will be a veteran of the sport and someone who’s regarded as an absolute legend, either by mountain bikers as a whole or just those in the know.
Have your say
Click here to nominate your favourites. If you've got any funny/heartwarming/scary stories about them, all the better!
