The newspaper The Latest News has been organizing the ceremony since 1992 Crystal Bike – “Crystal Bicycle” and version originale – rewarding the best Belgian rider of the season. The ceremony took place Tuesday evening at NOA Outdoor Living in Renson in Kruisem, and without much surprise, Remco Evenepoel was crowned in front of his teammate Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Wout van Aert et Thibau Nys. The runner of the Soudal Quick-Step wins this prize for the 4th time after 2019, 2022 and 2023 and is already getting closer at 24 years to the record of Johan Museeuw and his five trophies. A logical distinction as his season was exceptional, with among others a double Olympic gold medal, a time trial world champion title and a podium in the Tour de France.
Video – Remco Evenepoel 2nd in Lombardy to close its 2024 season
“I can be satisfied with what I accomplished this year”
Absent from the ceremony to receive his trophy – it’s his boss Patrick Lefevere who replaced him for the occasion – the recent 2nd of Tour of Lombardy nevertheless expressed his views on this award in a press release published by the Wolfpack. “Receiving this trophy for the fourth time in my career makes me proud and happy. I am satisfied with my season. I may have had fewer wins than last year, but I think the quality of those wins matters a lot. Let’s not forget that the fall in the Basque Country derailed my spring and may have cost me a few victories. That’s why, overall, I can be satisfied with what I accomplished this year.
I took a big step by finishing my first Tour on the podium, but it wasn’t the only highlight of the year, with the gold medals in Paris being something I will always cherish. Also important is the fact that I was able to stay competitive until the end of the season, successfully defending my individual time trial title at the Worlds and getting on my first podium in Lombardy. These are things that motivate me to work even harder and become better next year when I start my seventh season with Soudal Quick-Step“, he concluded.
Lotte Kopecky in Crystal for the 5th year in a row
Among women, as since 2020, it is logically Lotte Kopecky which was acclaimed. For his fifth consecutive Cristal bike (a record for women), the rider of the Team SD Worx-Protime has largely outstripped Justine Ghekiere et Sanne Cant. With 16 successes in 2024, including a 2nd title of world champion in the road race, that of European champion in the time trial, her triumphs in Paris-Roubaix and to White Roadsbut also 4 victories in stage races of the Women’s World Tour (UAE Tour, Tour of Great Britain, Tour de Romandie Féminin and Simac Ladies Tour) and a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, her coronation is beyond any possible dispute. As for hopes, these are Jarno Wider et Fleur Moors which succeed William Junior Lecerf et Julie De Wilde.
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