In the world of professional cycling, an elite group of eight male riders has achieved a feat that has stood the test of time. These athletes, spanning over a century of cycling history, have conquered all three Grand Tours: the prestigious Tour de France, the challenging Giro d'Italia, and the thrilling Vuelta a España. Team Visma | Lease a Bike, recognizing the significance of this accomplishment, has initiated an exclusive tribute to honor these cycling legends.
A Tribute to Cycling Greatness
The team has designed an exclusive pin, a symbol of recognition and admiration, to be awarded to these eight exceptional riders or their families. Among them are iconic names like Jacques Anquetil, Felice Gimondi, and Eddy Merckx, whose legacies continue to inspire generations of cyclists. More recent additions to this elite group include Bernard Hinault, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome, and the Danish sensation Jonas Vingegaard.
Vingegaard's victory in the 2026 Giro d'Italia solidified his place in history, joining the ranks of these cycling greats. With his Tour de France titles in 2022 and 2023 and his Vuelta a España win in 2025, Vingegaard has proven his dominance across all three Grand Tours. CEO Richard Plugge presented Vingegaard with the pin, acknowledging the rarity of this achievement and the need to celebrate it.
The Significance of the Pin
The pin is more than just a symbol of victory; it represents a career's worth of dedication, sacrifice, and unparalleled success. It unites these eight champions, each from different eras, under the banner of their shared extraordinary achievement. What makes this tribute even more special is that it is initiated by a team, recognizing the importance of celebrating cycling's greatest moments and honoring its legends.
A Lasting Legacy
Team Visma | Lease a Bike aims to ensure that this achievement, which has no equal in cycling, finds its rightful place in history. By creating this exclusive pin, they are not only honoring the past but also inspiring future generations of cyclists. It serves as a reminder that, in the world of professional cycling, there are feats so remarkable that they deserve to be celebrated and remembered forever.
As we reflect on the careers of these eight riders, we are reminded of the beauty and challenge of professional cycling. Their achievements inspire us to push boundaries, strive for excellence, and never settle for mediocrity. This tribute is a testament to the power of sport and the indelible mark these athletes have left on the cycling world.
