Pogacar, Kopecky Win 2024 Velo d'Or Awards

Tadej Pogacar and Lotte Kopecky were honored with the 2024 Vélo d'Or awards for men's and women's categories, respectively, at a ceremony in Paris. Pogacar, a standout performer in 2024, secured a remarkable 25 victories, including the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, alongside the world championship title, making him the first to achieve this Grand Tour double since Marco Pantani. He also received the Eddy Merckx Trophy for Best Classics rider after winning two Monuments, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Il Lombardia. Kopecky, who could not attend the ceremony due to team commitments, claimed victory following a season highlighted by her world championship title and multiple race wins. Additionally, Luis Ángel Maté received the inaugural Gino Mäder Prize for his commitment to environmental initiatives, reflecting the growing importance of social responsibility in cycling. Both riders expressed gratitude for their recognition and the significance of their achievements in the sport.