Belgian cyclist Victor Campenaerts is being celebrated for a victory that didn’t come at the finish line, but through unwavering support of teammate Jonas Vingegaard. Campenaerts has been awarded the Kristallen Zweetdruppel – or Crystal Sweat Drop – an honour recognizing the most dedicated domestique in professional cycling, a role often essential yet rarely spotlighted. The award, decided upon by a vote of fellow pros, acknowledges Campenaerts’ key contribution to Vingegaard’s overall Tour de France win earlier this year, a feat requiring immense selflessness and strategic acumen.
Campenaerts Crowned with Crystal Sweat Drop After Supporting Vingegaard’s Tour de France Victory
Victor Campenaerts has been recognized for his pivotal support role during Jonas Vingegaard’s triumphant Tour de France campaign, earning him the prestigious Kristallen Zweetdruppel (Crystal Sweat Drop) award. The award honors the best domestique – the rider who selflessly works for their team leader – in professional cycling, and Campenaerts’ dedication throughout the grueling three-week race was widely lauded.
Campenaerts’ transformation into a super-domestique was a key factor in Vingegaard’s success. He described his experience as “riding the entire Tour on a cloud,” highlighting the immense physical and mental effort required to consistently support a general classification contender. The award acknowledges the often-unsung heroes of cycling, those who sacrifice personal glory for the benefit of the team.
The Kristallen Zweetdruppel is a highly coveted honor within the peloton, recognizing the selfless dedication and tactical intelligence required to excel as a support rider. This year’s competition was particularly strong, with Wout van Aert also receiving significant consideration for his contributions. However, it was Campenaerts’ consistent work rate and unwavering commitment to Vingegaard that ultimately swayed the voters.
Tim Declercq, a record holder in his own right, praised Van Aert’s frequent sacrifices but ultimately felt that the Belgian rider was too focused on personal victory. “Chapeau for how Wout van Aert often sacrifices himself, but I think he is too much of a winner himself,” Declercq stated.
Campenaerts received congratulations from Vingegaard himself upon winning the award, a testament to the strong bond forged during their time on the road. The victory underscores the importance of teamwork in professional cycling and celebrates the dedication of riders like Campenaerts who consistently put the needs of their team first. The award is a fitting tribute to a rider who played a crucial, yet often invisible, role in one of the sport’s biggest triumphs.
Prior to the announcement, Campenaerts, Van Aert, and Declercq were all considered top contenders for the Crystal Sweat Drop, showcasing the high level of competition for this prestigious award.
