{"id":4192,"date":"2023-01-23T15:32:38","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T14:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=4192"},"modified":"2023-01-27T15:33:06","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T14:33:06","slug":"the-oddest-trophies-in-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2023\/01\/23\/the-oddest-trophies-in-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"The Oddest Trophies in Cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you picture the podium ceremony of a professional bicycle race, what comes to mind? The winner in a distinctive jersey receiving a magnificent gilded cup, elegant plaque or ornate platter followed by a bouquet, the popping of champagne and a barrage of flashes from photographers\u2019 cameras?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Most riders want something that takes pride of place in a trophy room or shelf at home but it doesn\u2019t always work out that way. Let\u2019s look at a few of the oddest trophies in cycling awarded to past victors that aren\u2019t exactly mantle material. Ready for a chuckle or two?<\/p>\n

Kuurne\u2013Brussels\u2013Kuurne<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This one-day spring classic is celebrating its 75th edition in 2023. The race starts in Kuurne, Belgium, a Flemish municipality in West Flanders with a rich history in the textile trade. It forms the traditional kick-off to the Belgian Classics season, along with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad that takes place the Saturday before.<\/p>\n

Merchants from Kuurne were not-so-affectionately named \u201cdonkeys\u201d by the people of the neighbouring town of Kortrijk since they travelled past them to the local market to sell their wares with carts pulled by donkeys. Proud of their local heritage, the winner of Kuurne\u2013Brussels\u2013Kuurne<\/a> receives a cuddly stuffed toy donkey to this day.<\/p>\n

Classic Haribo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Are you a fan of Haribo gummy candies? If so, you\u2019ll be sad to know this one-day French event is no longer on the pro racing calendar. But it was part of the Coupe de France race series from 1994 to 2006. Prominent past winners include Erik Zabel, Laurent Jalabert, Stuart O\u2019Grady and Thor Hushovd.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably already guessed that the Haribo Candy Company was the primary sponsor. To the joy of their dentist, the winner of the day took home their body weight in Haribo gummy candies. But I wonder, did they get to pick the colours they wanted?<\/p>\n

Superprestige cyclo-cross<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cyclo-cross is enjoying a renaissance and gaining popularity as audiences revel in the thrills and spills of mud-caked riders over obstacles, stairs, sandpits, off-camber descents and more. Team soigneurs get them superficially clean for the podium but what about when they get home?<\/p>\n

In 2014, Belgian cyclo-crosser Tom Meeusen was the proud winner of a shower from the high-end brand Hansgrohe. Can you think of a weirder yet more appropriate item to win in a cyclo-cross race? I can\u2019t. Pure genius.<\/p>\n

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Tom Meeusen overjoyed to win a 'shower' at yesterday's Superprestige Cross race. WHAT A PRIZE! pic.twitter.com\/xp4T63a0p8<\/a><\/p>\n

— Simon Warren (@100Climbs) November 10, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n