Algemeen Jarno Widar crowned 'Flandrien van de Toekomst' after a fantastic season

Jarno Widar can add yet another prize to his already impressive list of achievements. After winning De Kristallen Fiets award for Young Rider of the Year, he was now also named 'Flandrien van de Toekomst' in the U23 category at this evening's gala show of the 'Gala van de Flandrien' in SILT in Middelkerke, Belgium. Widar received the award following a remarkable season. He made cycling history by becoming the first Belgian ever to win the Giro Next Gen, and he also secured overall victories in the Valle d'Aosta Mont Blanc and the Alpes Isère Tour.

"The Giro Next Gen was the highlight," said a delighted Jarno Widar. "We had an amazing week with the team. It was a special year, but I aim to do even better next year. I will ride the Giro Next Gen and Aosta again, but I’m also aiming for the Tour de l'Avenir and the European Championships. I really want to win a jersey next season. I’m trying to get the most out of my career."

With Jarno Widar's crowning as Flandrien of the Future, the trophy remains in the hands of Lotto Dstny. For the past two years, Alec Segaert was the laureate.

Picture: Giro Next Gen