The Podium

Over more than a century, the Tour has come to symbolize the pinnacle of cycling, where the victors earn not only eternal glory but also a tangible representation of their achievement in the form of stunning medals and trophies. As we look ahead to the Tour de France 2025, we delve into the history and artistry behind these coveted awards, exploring what makes them so special and timeless.

A Symbol of Prestige and Heritage

From its inaugural race in 1903, the Tour de France has upheld the tradition of awarding champions with exquisite trophies. These trophies are more than just symbols of victory—they reflect the rich heritage and grandeur of the race itself. The tradition began with simple medallions and plaques, evolving over the decades into the striking designs we see today, each iteration carrying a piece of the Tour’s storied history.

The Modern Tour Trophies

Today’s Tour de France winners are presented with three main trophies:

The Maillot Jaune Trophy: Given to the overall winner of the Tour, this trophy embodies the essence of the leader's yellow jersey. For many years, the renowned Czech glassmaker Peter Olah, in collaboration with the crystal company Lasvit, has been the creative mind behind the design. His work reflects a balance of elegance and strength, with each year’s design subtly changing to incorporate elements unique to the race’s route and host cities.

The King of the Mountains Trophy: For the best climber, this award is known as the Polka Dot Jersey Trophy. Inspired by the distinctive red polka dots of the jersey, this trophy has often been crafted by Marc Fichou, a French designer known for his bold, sculptural work that echoes the rugged terrain of the mountain stages.

The Green Jersey Trophy: Bestowed upon the points classification winner, this trophy celebrates the sprinter's prowess. Over the years, designers like Arnaud Lelièvre have shaped this sleek and dynamic award, with each version symbolizing the sheer speed and agility of the competition.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Trophies

One of the most fascinating aspects of these trophies is the craftsmanship that goes into creating them. Each trophy is designed in collaboration with renowned designers and master artisans, often from the world of fine glassmaking and sculpture.

Peter Olah, a designer who has been instrumental in creating the overall winner’s trophy for more than a decade, draws inspiration from the shapes and symbolism of cycling and the routes of the Tour. His long-standing partnership with Lasvit, a leading Bohemian crystal manufacturer, has resulted in trophies that are both modern and timeless. The elegant, flowing lines of the Maillot Jaune Trophy, for example, are carefully sculpted from hand-blown glass, then polished to perfection to capture the light, reflecting the glory of victory.

A Nod to the Past: The Tour de France Medals

Though the iconic trophies take center stage, the Tour de France also has a long tradition of awarding medals. In the early years, champions were often awarded bronze and silver medallions. These medals, adorned with cycling motifs and symbols of strength and endurance, were cherished keepsakes that encapsulated the honor of competing in the world’s greatest cycling race.

While the medallions have evolved over the years, they continue to hold symbolic value. Jean-Paul Gaultier, a famous French fashion designer, was once tasked with redesigning these medals, adding a touch of French flair to their traditional design. Today, all finishers of the Tour receive a commemorative medal, a nod to the immense effort it takes to complete the grueling race. These medals often depict the Tour’s logo and the year’s route, serving as a reminder that finishing the Tour de France is a triumph in its own right.

A Fun Podium Tradition: Lions, Flowers, and More

The Tour de France podium ceremony is as iconic as the race itself, filled with unique traditions and symbols. When a rider takes to the podium to receive his jersey or trophy, he isn’t just handed a piece of silverware; he is also presented with a soft plush lion, a bouquet of beautifully arranged flowers, and is flanked by podium girls or boys—a longstanding but evolving custom.

The Plush Lion: The lion is a special symbol for the Maillot Jaune winner. This tradition dates back to 1987 when Banque Lyonnaise—the then-sponsor of the yellow jersey—introduced the stuffed lion as a playful nod to the bank’s logo. Since then, it has become a beloved keepsake for riders and a fan-favorite moment on the podium.

The Flowers: Riders are also awarded a bouquet of flowers, typically featuring colors symbolic of the Tour. The arrangements vary each year and are carefully crafted by local florists. For example, the 2021 Tour featured sunflowers and lavender, echoing the fields of Provence.

Podium Girls and Boys: For decades, podium girls were a fixture at the Tour de France, presenting trophies, flowers, and sometimes even the celebratory kisses on the cheek. However, in recent years, the Tour has shifted to a more modern approach, featuring both podium girls and boys to better represent gender equality.

The Legacy of Winning

The Tour’s trophies and medals are more than just awards; they are an integral part of cycling lore. Riders like Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, and Miguel Indurain, who have lifted these trophies, often describe the overwhelming sense of achievement they felt, not just because they won, but because they became a part of history. The trophies are physical proof of their place in the annals of the sport—a symbol that their hard work, strategy, and determination paid off on the grandest stage of all.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Tour Trophies

As we anticipate the 2025 Tour de France, which will begin in Lille, the design of this year’s trophies is expected to capture the essence of Northern France’s unique culture and heritage. With Lille’s rich history as a city of art and industry, we can expect the 2025 trophies to feature bold, innovative designs that reflect both the cutting-edge nature of the race and the timeless tradition of the Tour.

The final presentation at the Champs-Élysées will once again be a moment of high emotion. As the overall winner hoists the Maillot Jaune Trophy under the setting Parisian sun, the world will witness not just the culmination of three weeks of intense competition but the passing of yet another chapter in the glorious history of the Tour de France.

In the end, these medals and trophies serve as a reminder that the Tour de France is more than just a race. It is a testament to the human spirit—a celebration of pushing boundaries, conquering challenges, and achieving greatness.