Pogacar misses out on prestigious Laureus award for second year running
Professional cycling ultimately left empty-handed at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, often informally referred to as the “Oscars of sport”, despite a strong presence on this year’s shortlist. Tadej Pogacar, Tom Pidcock, Simon Yates and Egan Bernal were all nominated across multiple categories, but none managed to convert their nominations into wins.
For Pogačar, it marks a second consecutive disappointment in the World Sportsman of the Year category. The Slovenian, who once again built his case on a stellar season at the Tour de France and across the biggest one-day races, was beaten to the award by tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, winning eight tournaments, including two Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and the US Open, and finishing the year as world number one.
There was also no success for Tom Pidcock in the Action Sportsperson of the Year category. The Brit, who won the award in 2025, returned to the shortlist after a season that again highlighted his versatility, including a European mountain bike title and a podium finish at the Vuelta a España, but the award this time went to American snowboarder Chloe Kim.
In the World Comeback of the Year category, both Simon Yates and Egan Bernal were recognised for their respective returns, though neither claimed the award.
Yates earned his nomination after his Giro d’Italia victory and subsequent retirement, while Bernal’s inclusion followed his long road back from serious injury and a stage win at the Vuelta. The category was won by Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, who claimed The Masters title in 2025.
With Tadej Pogačar missing out on the title, Lance Armstrong remains the only cyclist to have ever won the World Sportsman of the Year award at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
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