Can Mathieu van der Poel or Harrie Lavreysen dislodge Max Verstappen as the number 1 Dutch sportsman?

Mathieu van der Poel and Harrie Lavreysen have both been named finalists for the prestigious Dutch Sportsman of the Year award, cementing their status as two of the brightest stars in Dutch sport. The NOC*NSF Sports Gala, where the winner will be revealed, is set to take place on Wednesday, 18 December, in Arnhem.

Van der Poel’s incredible achievements in 2024 have earned him his spot in the final four. This year, he claimed his sixth cyclocross world championship title, showcased his dominance on the road with victory at the Tour of Flanders, and added yet another feather to his cap by winning the World Gravel Championship. His versatility and consistency across multiple disciplines have once again solidified his reputation as one of the greatest all-around cyclists of his generation.

Lavreysen, meanwhile, has had a historic year of his own, winning three gold medals in track cycling at the Paris Olympics. His phenomenal performances on the track underline why he is widely regarded as one of the best sprinters in cycling history. Lavreysen also has the opportunity to claim a second award at the Sports Gala, as the Dutch team sprinters are in contention for the title of Sports Team of the Year.

While cycling features prominently in the men’s category, the Sportswoman of the Year title will go to a non-cyclist, as none of the country’s top female riders made the final cut. Notable omissions include Demi Vollering, Fem van Empel, Lorena Wiebes, Marianne Vos, and Puck Pieterse, all of whom had remarkable seasons but were overlooked for the award.

The competition for the Sportsman of the Year title is fierce, with Formula 1 star Max Verstappen also among the nominees. Verstappen, who has dominated motorsport with another stellar season, will be looking to secure yet another win at the Sports Gala.

The question remains: will it be Van der Poel, Lavreysen, or Verstappen who takes home the honor and delivers another accolade for Dutch cycling or motorsport?