The Vélo d’Or 2024 Awards were announced on December 6, with Slovenian Tadej Pogacar and Dutch Lotte Kopecky winning the awards for best cyclists of the year in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, based on their excellent results this year.
The Golden Bicycle, known in its original language as Vélo d’Or, is one of the most prestigious awards in the world of cycling and is awarded annually to the best of the year in this discipline.
This recognition is given by the renowned French newspaper L’Équipe through its monthly publication, Vélo Magazine, a magazine specialized in the coverage of this sport.
The name of the award draws a direct parallel with the famous Ballon d’Or in soccer. Its first edition took place in 1992, and it was the Spaniard Miguel Induráin who inaugurated the list of winners when he was chosen that year.
Throughout history, the Golden Bicycle has been dominated by great figures. Alberto Contador holds the record of victories, with a total of four trophies, making him the most successful. However, it is worth mentioning that although Lance Armstrong lifted it five times, all of them were annulled after the sanctions he received for doping.
Until 2021, it was theoretically awarded to road cyclists without distinction of gender, although in practice no woman ever stood on the podium. This fact prompted a major change in 2022, when the organization decided to create a separate category for women.
Who won the 2024 Vélo d’Or Award in the men’s branch.
Tadej Pogačar
The Slovenian had a historic performance that included a double at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, accompanied by his successes at the Cycling World Championships, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Giro di Lombardia.
Who won the Vélo d’Or 2024 Award in the women’s category
Lotte Kopecky
After finishing second in 2023, behind Demi Vollering of the Netherlands, the Belgian took the thorn out of her side with a campaign in which she won the World Championships and Paris-Roubaix, in addition to other important sporting triumphs.
How the Vélo d’Or 2024 Award was decided
The selection of the winners of the Vélo d’Or is carried out by a jury composed of international specialists. This panel evaluates the nominees, who come from a list of 10 cyclists previously selected by L’Équipe, ensuring a performance-based process each season.
Complete list of the 2024 Vélo d’Or Awards
Bernard Hinault Trophy – Romain Bardet
Daniel Morelon Award – Pauline Ferrand-Prevot
Chris Award – Harrie Lavreysen
Best in French Adapted Cycling – Alexandre Léauté
Guino Mäder Prize – Luis Ángel Maté
Source: www.olympic.org y www.ciclismoaldia.es