News item | 27-11-2023 | 19:33
During the Cycling Gala in the Royal Jaarbeurs Cyclists Demi Vollering and Annemiek van Vleuten received a Royal award from Minister for Long-term Care and Sport Conny Helder. Vollering was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Van Vleuten was promoted to Commander in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Minister Helder: “What a privilege to be on the podium with two cyclists who have brought so many successes to the Netherlands in recent years. Two athletes who made us cheer. An inspiring example for so many girls and women who think: I want that too!”
After cycling icon Keetie van Oosten-Hage presented the prize for cyclist of the year named after her to Demi Vollering, the party was not over yet. Minister Helder took the stage and once again put Vollering in the spotlight. To then knight her for winning the Tour de France Femmes earlier this year.
Demi Vollering was also successful at other times this year. With overall victories in the Amstel Gold Race, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Flèche Wallonne. The minister thanked Vollering for the way she inspires children. She called her ‘priceless’ because of her appearance to society.
Afterwards, Annemiek van Vleuten was also invited on stage. Minister Helder praised Van Vleuten for her perseverance and impressive list of honors. In 2022, she won the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France Femmes and the Vuelta à Espana, the so-called ‘Grand Slam’. The two-time world champion retired as a professional cyclist in September.
In addition to her career, she was an inspiration and mentor for many girls and women who want to get the best out of themselves physically and mentally for many years. Annemiek van Vleuten is a great ambassador of (cycling) sports in general and women’s cycling in particular.