Candidates for 2024 Vélo d’Or Revealed: Pogacar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel, Van der Poel, Kopecky, and More
The 2024 Vélo d’Or, cycling’s most prestigious individual award, has officially announced its candidates, with a star-studded lineup that reflects the depth and diversity of talent across the sport. The award, given annually by the French cycling magazine *Vélo*, honors the best rider of the season, based on both their achievements and overall impact on the sport. This year’s shortlist features names that have dominated the 2024 season, including Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, Lotte Kopecky, and several others. Here’s an in-depth look at the leading contenders and what they’ve accomplished to earn a spot in the running.
Tadej Pogačar: A Phenomenal All-Rounder
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation and a former Vélo d’Or winner, had another standout season in 2024. Despite narrowly missing out on winning his third Tour de France title, Pogačar’s incredible versatility and attacking style across multiple disciplines and races have kept him in the spotlight. This year, he won the prestigious Liège-Bastogne-Liège for the third time, continuing his dominance in the Ardennes Classics.
Pogačar’s season has been defined by resilience, especially after suffering a wrist injury earlier in the year. His comeback to finish second at the Tour de France behind Jonas Vingegaard demonstrated his grit, while his victories in the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race further established him as a rider who excels in both the mountains and one-day races. His charisma and connection with fans worldwide have only amplified his case for a second Vélo d’Or.
Jonas Vingegaard: The Tour King
Danish star Jonas Vingegaard, who claimed his second consecutive Tour de France title in 2023, has built on that momentum to deliver another remarkable season in 2024. The Jumbo-Visma rider’s climbing prowess, tactical intelligence, and consistency have earned him accolades, making him a clear contender for this year’s Vélo d’Or.
Vingegaard’s 2024 Tour de France victory was characterized by his clinical performance in the high mountains, where he once again overcame Pogačar in what has become cycling’s modern-day rivalry. His ability to perform when it counts most, particularly in the biggest race on the calendar, is what makes him a standout candidate. Vingegaard’s focus on stage races and grand tours has solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable GC riders in the sport.
Remco Evenepoel: A Young Star Still Rising
Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian prodigy who won the 2022 Vuelta a España and has been a force in one-day races and time trials, continues to be one of the most exciting talents in the peloton. His 2024 season featured impressive victories, including a win at the Giro d’Italia, where he showcased his ability to dominate in both time trials and long, mountainous stages.
Evenepoel’s performances in the World Championships also elevated his status, winning the time trial and medaling in the road race. His audacious racing style, combined with his versatility across disciplines, has earned him a place among the top candidates for the Vélo d’Or. Evenepoel’s hunger for victory, particularly in races that require a mix of endurance and explosiveness, makes him a serious contender.
Mathieu van der Poel: A Season of Historic Wins
Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel, another rider capable of excelling in multiple cycling disciplines, has had a historic 2024 season that will be remembered for its spectacular victories. Van der Poel became the first rider in decades to win both Paris-Roubaix and the UCI Road World Championships in the same year, cementing his legacy as one of the greats in modern cycling.
In addition to his triumphs in the spring classics and the rainbow jersey he earned in Glasgow, Van der Poel also put in strong performances at the Tour de France, where he played a pivotal role in supporting his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates. His powerful sprint, technical prowess, and ability to race on any terrain have made him one of the most complete cyclists in the world today. As a result, Van der Poel is a leading contender for the 2024 Vélo d’Or.
Lotte Kopecky: Dominance on the Women’s Circuit
Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky has had an extraordinary year, making her one of the top candidates for the women’s Vélo d’Or. Kopecky, known for her strength in both one-day races and stage races, has consistently performed at the highest level throughout 2024. Her victories in major classics such as the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche Femmes, coupled with a string of podium finishes in the Tour de France Femmes, solidified her status as one of the most versatile and dominant riders on the women’s circuit.
Kopecky’s impressive ability to handle different types of terrain, from cobbled classics to high mountain stages, makes her one of the most complete female riders in the world. Her leadership and tactical acumen on the road have also earned her widespread respect, further boosting her candidacy for the Vélo d’Or.
Other Notable Candidates
While Pogačar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel, Van der Poel, and Kopecky are the headline names, several other riders deserve mention for their outstanding seasons:
Primož Roglič: After moving to Bora-Hansgrohe, Roglič captured yet another Grand Tour victory at the Vuelta a España in 2024. His ability to remain at the top of the sport despite a series of injuries is a testament to his resilience and talent.
-Wout van Aert: Although Van Aert’s season was more focused on supporting his teammates, he still managed to win several key races, including stages in the Tour de France and the Critérium du Dauphiné. His consistency and all-round capabilities make him a perennial contender.
Demi Vollering: The Dutch rider has had a stellar year, winning the Tour de France Femmes and finishing on the podium in several other prestigious women’s races. Vollering’s performances across the board have made her a standout in 2024.
– **Mads Pedersen**: The former World Champion continued his impressive run in 2024, with key wins in stage races and one-day events, solidifying his position as one of the best all-rounders in the peloton.
The Importance of the Vélo d’Or
Since its inception in 1992, the Vélo d’Or has been cycling’s highest individual honor, recognizing the achievements of the sport’s top riders. Previous winners include legends like Miguel Indurain, Lance Armstrong, and Alberto Contador. More recently, riders such as Chris Froome, Pogačar, and Van Aert have added their names to the prestigious list.
The award celebrates not only individual victories but also the broader impact a rider has had on the sport. Winning the Vélo d’Or is a reflection of a rider’s ability to inspire fans, compete at the highest level, and leave a lasting legacy in the world of cycling.
The 2024 Vélo d’Or candidates represent the best of modern cycling, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent in the sport. From the explosive attacks of Pogačar and the dominance of Vingegaard to the audacity of Evenepoel and the historic feats of Van der Poel, this year’s competition promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The inclusion of riders like Lotte Kopecky and Demi Vollering further highlights the growing recognition of women’s cycling at the highest level.
As the cycling season comes to a close, all eyes will be on the Vélo d’Or, and cycling fans will eagerly await the announcement of the winner who will be crowned the best cyclist of 2024.
