Who else? Tadej Pogacar and Lotte Kopecky win Vélo d'Or: "Maybe my name will be on the trophy someday"

Tom Boonen handed Pogacar the so-called Eddy Merckx trophy. "I didn't expect it," it sounded sarcastically from the world champion's mouth. "I'm thrilled." Comparisons to Merckx are now made almost monthly. "Maybe my name will be on the trophy someday," Pogacar joked.

The one-day races remain a goal of the UAE Team Emirates leader. Of course, he had already won Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Lombardy, and the Tour of Flanders, but despite the focus on the grand tours, he still wanted to shine in the spring and fall. "They only last a day, not the whole month," he says, explaining why it remains so fun. "All the stress you experience in grand tours is so intense, this is just a day. It's more contained, and therefore more fun." Milan-San Remo is still missing. "It's not a secret, no. I've been drawn to San Remo every year, and I think this year will be no different. I'll keep trying. Until I win it."

Lotte Kopecky also won, as expected, the trophy among the ladies. The Belgian was absent; she was at training camp with SD Worx-Protime in Finland. From the far north, she had left a message. 'I am very happy with this award. I have many people to thank: my family, friends, and teammates. Last year I was close, but this year I finally got it.' At the presentation, she beat Lorena Wiebes and Demi Vollering, among others. A new prize was also awarded: the Gino Mäder trophy to the rider who had committed the most to social work. The prize was for Luis Ángel Maté. The 40-year-old Spaniard dedicates himself with heart and soul to the environment.

Harrie Lavreysen was also among the winners. A special trophy was awarded to the best rider in Olympic disciplines. Thanks to his three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, the jury chose Hattrick Harrie over Tom Pidcock, who also became the Olympic champion in France. The prize for best French rider was also awarded: in the men's category, it went to Romain Bardet, and in the women's category, to Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.