Novice

The Velo d’Or is back in Tadej’s hands

Tadej was, as expected, in the spotlight in Paris last night, where the best cyclists of the year were announced. After an exceptional 2024 season, in which he celebrated 25 victories and also won the triple crown of cycling with the pink jersey at the Giro, the yellow at the Tour, and the rainbow at the world championship, he was awarded two prizes. First, the Eddy Merckx trophy for the best cyclist in classic races, and then the golden bike (Velo d’Or) for the world cyclist of the year.

»I am very happy and proud to have received this award. It has been an exceptional year for me, and this is yet another confirmation that hard work pays off, and it also gives me motivation for the future,« said Tadej after the golden bike was presented to him by former Irish cycling champion Stephen Roche.

Tadej received this prestigious award for the second time, having first become cyclist of the year after the 2021 season. »I think the second golden bike means more to me than the first one I received in 2021. I was still young, I didn’t yet realize the weight of this award, which has grown on me, and I am honored to have won it again,« Tadej continued, reflecting on this year’s remarkable achievements: »This season has been exceptional, if I had won these 25 victories in my entire career, it would have been enough, but this year has been incredible for me.«

The Velo d’Or has been awarded since 1992 by Velo Magazine, which is published under the auspices of the French sports newspaper L’Equipe. The first recipient was Miguel Indurain, and the record holder is Alberto Contador with four golden bikes. If Tadej continues his career in the style of the 2024 season, he will catch up sooner or later, but it is not a given. »It’s not always easy to stay calm and have fun, there are also tough moments. Fortunately, I have amazing people around me who know how to create the right atmosphere. When I have them by my side, everything is easier. I try to have as much fun as possible and hope it lasts for a long time. Every year I go into the next season more motivated. I want to prove to myself that I can continue doing what I’ve been doing in recent years and prove to myself that I’m still fast or even better on the bike,« added Tadej, who cannot avoid the question of whether he wants to become the greatest cyclist of all time.

»I don’t dream of being the greatest of all time. I like racing in the moment, having fun, and trying to enjoy it as long as I can. I don’t think too much about it and don’t put too much pressure on myself,« answered Tadej, who is heading to the UAE Team Emirates training camp in Alicante these days.

What does Stephen Roche, the last one before Tadej to win the triple crown back in 1987, say about the greatest cyclists of all time? »It’s hard to compare different eras, so I can’t say Tadej is the greatest of all time. He is the greatest of his time, but we must respect what Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, and all the others have achieved. He is the best at the moment. And he will certainly be one of the greatest of all time, but we will make that assessment at the end. There is still a long way to go, as Tadej is only 26 years old,« said the legendary Irishman.