Lotte Kopecky and Tadej Pogačar Triumph at 2024 Vélo d’Or Awards
Paris, December 8, 2024 – Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky and Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar have been crowned the winners of the prestigious 2024 Vélo d’Or awards, marking a historic achievement in the world of professional cycling. The awards, which honor the most outstanding riders of the season, were presented on Thursday evening in a glittering ceremony in Paris.
Lotte Kopecky Shines in a Landmark Year
Kopecky, 28, enjoyed a breakthrough season that cemented her place among the cycling elite. The Belgian sprinter and classics specialist not only dominated the women’s peloton but also secured her first Vélo d’Or, making her the first Belgian woman to claim the honor since its inception in 1992.
Her 2024 campaign included victories at some of the most iconic one-day races, such as Paris-Roubaix Femmes and Strade Bianche, and a dominant showing at the UCI Women’s Road World Championships, where she claimed the world title in a thrilling final sprint. Kopecky’s consistent performances in stage races and her leadership of SD Worx were also instrumental in her rise to the top of the women’s rankings.
In a statement, Kopecky expressed her joy: “This year has been a dream come true. The competition in women’s cycling is fierce, and to be recognized as the best feels incredibly special. I am grateful to my team and to everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Tadej Pogačar Continues His Dominance
Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar triumphed in the men’s category, taking home his third Vélo d’Or, further solidifying his place as one of the sport’s greatest talents. The UAE Team Emirates rider enjoyed another stellar year, with wins at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour de France, and a commanding performance at the UCI World Championships. His seamless ability to attack across varied terrains, combined with his tactical brilliance, made him nearly unstoppable in the 2024 season.
Pogačar’s victory at the Tour de France was particularly notable, as he reclaimed the yellow jersey after a fierce battle with Jonas Vingegaard, while also securing the King of the Mountains and Best Young Rider classifications. His stage wins in the Alps and Pyrenees were a testament to his extraordinary climbing prowess and relentless spirit.
“Winning this award again is a huge honor,” Pogačar said in his acceptance speech. “Every race this season pushed me to my limits, but I am proud of what I achieved. I’m already focused on next season, but for now, I’ll enjoy this moment with my team and family.”
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
Both Kopecky and Pogačar were selected based on their exceptional performances across a range of races, their consistency throughout the season, and their ability to perform under pressure. The Vélo d’Or awards recognize the all-around excellence required to become a true champion, and both riders delivered in 2024 with unforgettable victories and displays of sportsmanship.
As the ceremony came to a close, cycling fans around the world eagerly anticipate the next season, knowing that with champions like Kopecky and Pogačar leading the way, the future of the sport remains in exceptionally talented hands.
2024 Vélo d’Or Winners:
- Women’s Vélo d’Or: Lotte Kopecky (Belgium)
- Men’s Vélo d’Or: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)
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