Tadej Pogacar and Lotte Kopecky were honored with the prestigious Golden Bike awards for their outstanding performances in the cycling season. Pogacar, with 25 victories, expressed gratitude for the recognition, while Kopecky celebrated her success following wins at the World Championships and Paris-Roubaix. Romain Bardet received the Bernard Hinault trophy as the best French rider. Additional awards highlighted various talents in cycling, showcasing the dedication and achievements of both established and rising stars in the sport.
Celebrating Cycling Excellence: Tadej Pogacar and Lotte Kopecky Shine
The cycling season culminated in a spectacular evening, where Slovenian star Tadej Pogacar and Belgian powerhouse Lotte Kopecky stood out as champions, each receiving the prestigious Golden Bike award. “When I first won this trophy in 2021, I was young and didn’t fully grasp its significance. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate its value, and I feel truly honored; this accolade reflects all the hard work I’ve put in,” shared the 26-year-old Pogacar with AFP. With an impressive tally of 25 victories under his belt, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, World Championships, and two Monuments (Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Tour of Lombardy), Pogacar is emerging as a cycling legend.
“It feels nearly impossible to replicate such an extraordinary year, but I will strive to come close,” Pogacar remarked, hinting at his ambitious plans for the future. He is expected to announce his 2025 racing schedule next Tuesday during a training camp in Spain. Pogacar, who succeeded Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, was presented the award by Irish cycling icon Stephen Roche, the last rider to achieve the Giro-Tour-Worlds triple back in 1987, at the iconic Gabriel Pavilion on the Champs-Élysées.
Honoring Top Performers: Romain Bardet and Other Award Winners
In the women’s category, Lotte Kopecky received her first Golden Bike, notably after clinching the World Championships and Paris-Roubaix, succeeding Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering.
Romain Bardet, who donned the yellow jersey during the Tour de France after winning the opening stage and securing second place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, was honored with the Bernard Hinault trophy as the best French rider of the season. The 34-year-old climber from Auvergne announced his plans to retire next June following the Critérium du Dauphiné, stating, “I represent the symbol of longevity.”
Here’s the complete list of winners:
- The Golden Bike World Men®, awarded to Tadej Pogacar, recognized as the best cyclist of the season, selected by an international panel of 40 cycling journalists from 25 countries.
- The Golden Bike World Women®, awarded to Lotte Kopecky, celebrated as the best female cyclist of the season, also chosen by an international jury of 40 cycling journalists from 25 countries.
- The Eddy Merckx Trophy Men, honoring the best Classics specialist, was bestowed upon Tadej Pogacar.
- The Eddy Merckx Trophy Women, recognizing the top female Classics specialist, went to Lotte Kopecky.
- The Bernard Hinault Trophy for the best French road cyclist was awarded to Romain Bardet, selected by a jury of 30 French journalists.
- The Daniel Morelon Trophy for the best French cyclist in Olympic disciplines (MTB, BMX, track cycling) went to Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
- The Trophy for the best world cyclist in Olympic disciplines (MTB, BMX, track cycling) was awarded to Harrie Lavreysen.
- The Trophy for the best French para-cyclist was awarded to Alexandre Léauté.
- The Gino Mäder Prize, recognizing solidarity actions or societal causes championed by an engaged athlete, was awarded to Luis Ángel Maté.
These awards highlight the incredible talent and dedication within the cycling community, celebrating both established and emerging champions in the sport.