The Belgians have spoken - Remco Evenepoel voted 'Flandrien of the year' whilst Wout van Aert is only fifth

In Belgium, cycling is a golden sport and the list of awards at the end of each season is extensive. This week, the riders themselves have voted amongst them to elect the 'Flandrien of the year' (not exclusive to riders from the region however), and Remco Evenepoel has collected another trophy to add to his collection.

"It always makes me incredibly proud to receive such an award. Especially since this is a prize chosen by the Belgian professional peloton," Evenepoel said in words to Het Nieuwsblad, who organized the event. "It was a year with many setbacks, but I always bounced back strong."

Evenepoel only started his season in April after suffering a crash and extensive injuries in early December. It was a fall with major consequences having suffered several fractures and ligament damage, which cuts months of training off his schedule. He nevertheless managed to open up his season with a triumph over Wout van Aert at De Brabantse Pijl, with a stage win at the Tour de Romandie completing his small spring campaign.

However in the summer he kept improving, riding a strong Criterium du Dauphiné and start to the Tour de France, winning the time trial and briefly wearing the yellow jersey in both races. However, he suffered a rib fracture in a crash at the Belgian national championships and at the Tour de France fatigue got the best of him, leading to a withdrawal.

However the Belgian, after announcing his transfer to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, was able to get his best legs back towards the end of the season, winning the World and European time trial championships (in which he is now the reigning champion alongside the Olympic title he still holds); and finishing an isolated second place behind only Tadej Pogacar at the Worlds, Europeans and also Il Lombardia. In the absence of the Slovenian, Evenepoel's season would've been truly historic, with no doubt.

But he has done enough to conquer the award. "If you, like me, have had a bad winter, you fall behind considerably. I still managed to win eight high-level races, and that's why I can confidently call it a successful season".

It can't be forgotten how much he achieved, despite the disappointment that was his Tour de France campaign in the end, with him not being able to finish the race or fight for the overall classification after he began to fade in the race. "My successes were mainly on the time trial bike. On the road bike, I often finished second or third," he admits with some modesty.

He won the competition with 515 points whilst Tim Merlier was a close second with 486 points - the Soudal - Quick-Step rider would've also been a worthy winner taking into consideration his extensive list of victories in 2025. Tim Wellens was third, Jasper Philipsen was fourth; surprisingly both were voted above Wout van Aert who was only fifth despite winning key stages of the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, whilst finishing fourth at both Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.