Peter Sagan (33) and Greg Van Avermaet (38) – who competed against each other for years in the deep finals of classics – received the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Flandrien Gala in honor of their impressive cycling career.
Peter Sagan and Greg Van Avermaet received the Lifetime Achievement Awards from Tom Boonen. The eternal rivals both decided this was their last season. Peter Sagan flew from Japan to our country to personally collect this unique trophy after two International Flandriens (2015 and 2016). Out of gratitude for this cycling country. It was extra nice that Boonen presented this Award, because the Kempen native was little Sagan’s idol. The Slovenian is not only a three-time former world champion but also a seven-time winner of the green jersey. He also won numerous classics, such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, the E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem three times.
Greg Van Avermaet is the record holder of this trophy with six Flandriens, a record that will stand for a while, especially among the men. Our compatriot can look back on an impressive list of achievements, with the highlight being the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Paris-Roubaix, the E3 Harelbeke, Ghent-Wevelgem, two times the Omloop het Nieuwsblad and two stage victories in the Tour de France are also on the list. on his honors list. He was never able to win the Tour of Flanders, Van Avermaet’s favorite race.
The two had competed in the same international race for no fewer than 503 racing days since the 2010 Omloop het Nieuwsblad.
Peter Sagan on the Blue Carpet: “I will especially miss being out with the boys”
Van Avermaet and Sagan fought many duels on Flemish roads, such as here during the Omloop het Nieuwsblad in 2017. — © BELGA
Tom Boonen: “I came because Peter Sagan would be here”
Tags: VIDEO Peter Sagan Greg Van Avermaet receive Lifetime Achievement Awards Tom Boonen
