The jury prize for the 2024 Dutch Sport Photo of the Year was awarded to an iconic image from the Tour de France: Frank van den Broek and Romain Bardet in perfect synchronisation, with a hungry peloton lurking in the background. Captured by photographer Klaas Jan van der Weij, the photo breathes pure teamwork, and it was unanimously chosen by the jury. What makes it even more special is that this award-winning photo was taken during Klaas Jan’s very last Tour. The image not only captures a remarkable moment in the race but also reflects the team spirit that defined the day. Bardet and Van den Broek worked seamlessly together to control the race, resulting in a first-place finish for Bardet and a second for Van den Broek. Their collaboration embodied the essence of teamwork, making the photo a perfect symbol of their achievement. We spoke with the photographer about the magic behind the photo, his farewell to the Tour, and what this recognition means to him.
Klaas Jan, what does it mean to you that the jury prize for Sport Photo of the Year 2024 went to your photo?
“This is definitely one of the most enjoyable awards I’ve ever won. Even though I’ve received many international awards during my career, this one feels extra special. First of all, because cycling is my greatest love, and secondly, because the Tour is truly my event. I’ve been to the Tour as a photographer probably 30 times and this was also my last Tour, as I won’t be doing it again. So how special is it to win this beautiful award for the first time in my very last Tour? What makes it even more unique is that the jury didn’t choose a sports moment of the year and then find a photo to match; the focus was purely on the photograph itself. I’ve heard from many people how remarkable it is that, in an Olympic year, a photo from the Olympics wasn’t chosen as Photo of the Year. With the phenomenal achievements of Dutch athletes like Femke Bol and Sifan Hassan, it could easily have been a picture from those moments, but it’s clear the jury only judged the photo, not the moment. That makes this award even more special for me.”
Wait a second, you won this award in your final Tour de France? As if it was meant to be…
“Yes, it’s bizarre, isn’t it? That makes it even more special for me. Let’s just say: I’m stopping at my peak. It doesn’t get better than this!”
What makes this photo truly powerful, in your opinion? What’s the story behind it?
“For me it’s clear – You can really see the sense of teamwork above everything else. Two teammates moving in perfect unison, against a hungry peloton.”
Did you immediately realise that this photo would be special when you took it, or did the result surprise you later?
“Yes, I knew right when it happened. I saw Frank looking back, and I thought, “If Romain looks back now too, then I’ve got a great shot.” Sure enough, what did he do a second later? Thanks, Romain!”
Is there a favourite detail in the photo that makes you especially proud?
“The helmets merging together. They form this Siamese-twin effect. Without that detail, the photo would have been much less remarkable. That detail captures the essence of teamwork so well—two individual riders literally blending into one. Then there’s the peloton behind them, like a pack of hungry wolves, blurred in the background. One of the two riders being Dutch is also a nice touch.”