Lore De Schepper has been voted Belofte van het Jaar in the Kristallen Week awards, recognising the 20-year-old’s rise as one of Belgium’s most exciting new climbing talents. It marks a milestone moment at the end of her first elite season, one in which the AG Insurance-Soudal rider impressed far beyond her years.
The award follows a campaign defined by consistency, adaptability and steady progression, both on home roads and on the biggest international stages.
A breakthrough year for Belgium’s new climbing hope
De Schepper stepped into the WorldTour in 2025 as a neoprof and wasted no time making an impact. She delivered a strong Giro Donne performance with a top-ten finish on stage 4 and spent the summer and autumn racing as a clear leader in her age category.
Her eighth place at the U23 World Championships and seventh at the U23 European Championships underlined her growing stature as one of the most complete young climbers in the peloton.
Speaking after receiving her award, she admitted the recognition came as a surprise.
“I hoped I might win, but I didn’t expect it,” she said. “It’s confirmation that I’m on the right path. This season taught me so much, especially in stage racing, and this gives me a lot of motivation for 2026.”
Balancing racing ambitions with academic goals
Alongside her racing schedule, De Schepper continues to study Movement Sciences, a dual commitment she sees as essential for her development beyond the bike.
“It can be a puzzle, but it works,” she said. “It’s important for me to keep something alongside cycling.”
Her team has consistently praised her maturity and discipline, and AG Insurance-Soudal described her recognition as a source of pride, emphasising the steady progress she has made since joining the organisation as a junior.
Eyes on the Ardennes and the Giro
Looking ahead, the young Belgian is already targeting races that match her characteristics.
“My dream is to shine in the Ardennes classics and the big stage races,” she said. “The Giro is at the top of my wish list.”
With a full season of elite experience now behind her, those ambitions no longer feel far-fetched.
2025 season highlights
De Schepper’s consistency across the year was matched by versatility, with stand-out results across major stage races and championships:
- 4th overall at the Tour de l’Avenir
- 5th on stage 4 of the Giro d’Italia Women
- 7th in the U23 European Road Race
- 8th in the U23 World Road Race
- Top-ten performances in Gracia Orlová, Tour de Suisse Youth and Setmana Ciclista Valenciana
Her strong climb through the general classifications and regular presence among the best U23 riders reinforced her status as one of Belgium’s brightest prospects.
A rider on a clear upward trajectory
De Schepper will continue with AG Insurance-Soudal through 2026 and 2027, and the team has made no secret of its belief in her long-term potential. With the Ardennes on her radar and a deepening foundation in stage racing, the next steps in her development promise to be compelling.
For now, Belgium has its Belofte van het Jaar – and a rider who looks ready to justify the title.
