The 2024 Velo d’Or, cycling’s most prestigious individual award, is shaping up to be a hotly contested race between some of the sport’s biggest names: Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, and Mathieu van der Poel. Each rider has had an exceptional season, and the decision on who deserves the coveted trophy will spark intense debate.
**Tadej Pogačar** stands as one of the favorites, coming off a brilliant 2024 campaign. The Slovenian rider’s versatility shone through, with victories in one-day races like the Tour of Flanders, as well as strong performances in multi-stage events, including his runner-up finish at the Tour de France. Pogačar’s ability to consistently win across different formats makes him a strong candidate for the Velo d’Or, as he has cemented his place as one of the most complete riders of his generation.
However, **Remco Evenepoel** cannot be overlooked. The Belgian phenom continued to amaze in 2024, showing his dominance in stage races and time trials. His victory in the Giro d’Italia was a season highlight, and his ability to take on the world’s best climbers and time trialists solidifies his reputation as a rising force. Evenepoel’s aggressive racing style and relentless pursuit of victory make him a real contender for the Velo d’Or, particularly given his versatility across various terrains.
Then there’s **Mathieu van der Poel**, who had another incredible year, particularly in the classics. Van der Poel’s victories in iconic races like Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo added to his growing list of major achievements, showing his dominance in one-day events. The Dutchman’s explosive power and tactical brilliance in the toughest races have made him a fan favorite, and his name is constantly in the mix when discussing the sport’s elite.
All three riders bring something unique to the table, and each has made a compelling case for the 2024 Velo d’Or. The final decision may come down to how much weight the voters give to Pogačar’s versatility, Evenepoel’s stage race dominance, or Van der Poel’s classics brilliance. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement to see who takes home the honor this year.
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