Tinkoff-Saxo’s Michael Valgren has been named as the best Danish rider of 2014. The honor comes after just one season in the WorldTour, where the 22-year old rookie took everybody by storm after having won the national championship, claimed the overall victory at Tour of Denmark and delivered an outstanding performance at the Vuelta a España.
 
The jury was composed of fellow riders and experts, which only made the award more special for Michael Valgren.
 
“I’m really honored to receive this award that has been given to many of the great legends in Danish cycling such as my boss Bjarne Riis. It was my fellow riders that voted for me and it’s a privilege to receive their recognition. It doesn’t mean that I have to stop fighting, rather the opposite as I still wish to improve”, comments Michael Valgren.

During his rookie season, Valgren went from newcomer to a respected rider in the peloton as a result of his personal success and hard work as a trusted teammate. He reckons that his second season will be just as challenging, since he now has the attention of his rivals.
 
“Riders also read the news, and I’ve talked to the press a lot lately. So it might be harder for me to remain unnoticed in the races, but if I want to be among the best I have to race against the best. But it’s really nice to know that I’m on the ride track with an award like this”, explains Valgren, who thanks his sport director Steven de Jongh for his advice and guidance during his first WorldTour season.
 
The award also gained the attention of team manager Bjarne Riis, who was proud on behalf of the Danish champion.
 
“To win an award like this as the best of rider of one's country is a big thing, especially on a personal note. It requires a lot of hard work and he has every right to be proud. With that said, there is no doubt that Michael has earned it. I’ve followed him throughout the year, and I’ve not only been impressed by his top performances, but also by the fact that he’s a loyal and good teammate. That is important to me and to the entire team”, says Bjarne Riis, who admits that he hadn’t seen it coming at the start of the 2014-season.
 
“I knew that he had big talent, but I didn’t expect to see him develop so rapidly. He still has a lot to learn, he’s only 22, but I reckon that this is only the beginning. Of course he will experience hard times at some point but I believe that Michael is on the right team to support him all the way”.