The red carpet was rolled out in our exhibition and conference centre for the cycling heroes of 2023. Famous (former) cyclists such as Annemiek van Vleuten, Demi Vollering and Tom Dumoulin, together with over 350 invited guests, will shine on the stage of congress hall the Polar for the first National Cycling Gala in Utrecht. Who will go home tonight with the coveted trophy for cyclist of the year?
After 60 previous editions in Den Bosch, Jaarbeurs is this year's proud host of the gala for the first time. For many cycling athletes, it is not the first time here. Some of them got on their bikes from the Jaarbeurs boulevard in August 2022 for the epic start of the Vuelta. Others were at the start of the Tour de France in 2015. Tonight, Mayor Sharon Dijksma welcomes all cyclists and enthusiasts to the most fun cycling city in the world!
Utrecht cycling capital shines as host of National Cycling Gala
The National Cycling Gala, an annual highlight for all lovers of cycling, took place in Utrecht for the first time this year. And that is no accidental choice. René Koppert, the organiser behind this sports gala: "Utrecht embraces cycling and holds cycling tradition in high esteem. With this move, the Wielergala gets the chance to be further rolled out from a national concept."
"The Cycling Gala has a very warm welcome at Jaarbeurs and this offers great prospects for the future."
Ribbon ceremony and that in the 'Royal' exhibition and conference centre
Directors, cameramen and presenters gather in our Jaarbeurs Media Plaza congress centre. Not only the invited guests enjoy the spectacle, but also the viewers at home follow the Wielergala live via Eurosport. The moment is there. The audience is in suspense, viewers at home are on the edge of their seats. Who will go home tonight with the Trophy for cyclist, cyclist star, promise or team of the year? Drum roll... Former top cyclist Tom Dumoulin brings the redeeming word. World road and field champion Mathieu van der Poel and Tour de France Femmes winner Demi Vollering have been chosen as the 2023 Cyclist of the Year! Puck Pieterse takes the Talent of the Year award and Team Jumbo Visma has been named Cycling Team of the Year. And it doesn't stop there. Cyclists Demi Vollering and Annemiek van Vleuten are surprised by outgoing minister Conny Helder (Long-term care and sport) with ribbons in the Order of Orange-Nassau. The stage sparkles on all sides!
Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs, looks at the room with pride: "In tonight's magnificent cycling spectacle, I am not only a proud host, but also an admirer of the boundless passion our city has embraced. Hosting the National Cycling Gala in our city for the first time is like opening a door to a new annual national concept."
Culinary delight during live TV broadcast
Besides the excitement on stage, the National Cycling Gala also offers a culinary delight. Guests are treated to a delicious dinner, put together to delight the taste buds after an evening of excitement and emotion. The dinner provides the perfect opportunity to chat informally with other guests and discuss the highlights of the past cycling season. Over 40 tables have been set and a three-course dinner will be served for 350 guests.
The organisers look back on a very successful evening. "It is a beautiful, festive and unforgettable conclusion to the cycling season. The Wielergala has a very warm welcome at Jaarbeurs and this offers a lot of perspective for the future."
