Harrie Lavreysen is happy with his election as Sportsman of the Year 2025. The Luykgestel native was presented with the award on Tuesday evening at Papendal. But the 28-year-old track cyclist does not want to think about a museum or tribute in Luyksgestel: “I told Luyksgestel that they may only honor me after LA.”
“This will certainly get a nice place,” says Lavreysen after showing off the trophy. “I can start a museum in the meantime, but I don’t really feel the need for that.”
The track cyclist won the prize, partly because he won four gold medals at the World Championships in Chile last October. Last year the rider was also voted Sportsman of the Year: “This one is perhaps extra nice, because it is not an Olympic year.”
We don’t have to count on a tribute in Luyksgestel this time. “I told the village that if I am honored again, it will only be after LA,” Lavreysen laughs. In any case, the Dutch record Olympian is not showing off all his prizes: “That’s a bit Brabant. I’m only human and I’m especially happy with my performance.”
Even though Lavreysen has already won everything in track cycling, he remains motivated: “I still want to win back the world record for the 200 meters. That is really a goal I still have.”