The Belgian kicked off in style the awards season.
Remco Evenepoel took home his fourth Kristallen Fiets trophy, which rewards the best Belgian rider of the year, after the ones of 2019, 2022 and 2023. The ceremony was held Tuesday evening, at Renson’s NOA Outdoor Living in Kruisem, just two days after Remco brought to a conclusion his sixth season in the Soudal Quick-Step colors by taking his first Lombardia podium after another impressive ride.
It was a well-deserved trophy for the 24-year-old – who finished ahead of his teammate Tim Merlier – as he racked up a total of nine wins this year, including both races at the Olympic Games in Paris and the rainbow jersey at the ITT World Championships, held in Zurich. On top of that, Evenepoel was third overall and won the white jersey at his Tour de France debut, where he became the first Belgian in more than four decades to conclude on the podium.
“Receiving this trophy for the fourth time in my career makes me proud and happy. I am satisfied with my season. Maybe I got fewer wins than last year, but I think the quality of those victories counts a lot. Let’s not forget that the crash in the Basque Country derailed my spring and possibly cost me a couple of wins. That’s why, overall, I can be content with what I achieved this year.”
“I’ve made an important 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 that I’ll forever cherish. The fact that I could remain competitive until towards the end of the season, successfully defending my ITT title at the Worlds and then riding to my first Lombardia podium it’s also important. These are things that motivate me to work even harder and become better next year, when I will start my seventh season in the Soudal Quick-Step season”, said Remco, the second rider in the history of our team – after Tom Boonen – to win the Kristallen Fiets four times.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
