Pogačar and Ferrand-Prévot Dominate 2025 Vélo d’Or Awards
A stellar 2025 season culminated in resounding success for Tadej Pogačar and Pauline ferrand-Prévot at the Vélo d’or awards in Paris on Friday night, with each cyclist claiming two prestigious trophies. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of the world’s top cyclists, and this year’s ceremony celebrated a period of remarkable performance from both athletes.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider added a fourth Tour de France title to his palmarès, alongside a second consecutive rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Rwanda. He also claimed the European road title and extended his winning streak at Il Lombardia to five consecutive victories.
His success wasn’t limited to stage races. Pogačar began the year with a win at the UAE Tour and added the yellow jersey from the Critérium du Dauphiné to his collection before his July triumph in the Tour de France. However,it was his dominance in one-day races that arguably stood out most,with victories at Strade Bianche,the Tour of Flanders,La Flèche Wallonne,and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He also secured podium finishes at Milan-San Remo and the Amstel Gold Race, demonstrating his extraordinary all-around capabilities.
Pogačar’s exceptional performance in the Classics earned him the Eddy Merckx Trophy for the best Classics rider. The women’s equivalent of this award went to Dutch sprinter Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), who enjoyed a remarkable season of her own.Wiebes remained undefeated in head-to-head sprint finishes, adding 25 victories to her record, including wins at the first women’s Milan-san Remo in two decades, gent-Wevelgem, and the Classic Brugge-De Panne.
Recognition also extended to rising stars and dedicated riders.Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), the highest-placed French rider at the Tour de France with a seventh-place overall finish, was awarded the bernard Hinault Trophy for the best male French rider. Vauquelin, who will join Ineos Grenadiers in 2026, consistently delivered strong results throughout the year.
In paracycling, Alexandre Léauté of VCP loudéac received the Paracycling Vélo d’Or for the second consecutive year, building on his success in both road and track racing at the World Championships.
The Gino Mäder Prize, recognizing work off the bike, was awarded to Matteo Trentin (Tudor) for his commitment to environmental and social causes. Trentin has organized events supporting sick children, including the Beking Criteriums and associated fundraising galas, and actively promotes sustainable mobility in schools around Monaco. The award, created last year, honors the memory of Gino Mäder, who tragically died following a crash during the 2023 Tour de Suisse.
The 2025 Vélo d’Or awards underscored a year of exceptional talent and dedication in the world of cycling, with Pogačar and Ferrand-Prévot leading the charge and inspiring fans worldwide.