Tour de France Crystal Trophy: 14 Years of Handcrafted Excellence
When championship moments demand masterful craftsmanship
When the world's most prestigious cycling race reaches its crescendo in the heart of Paris, millions of eyes focus on a single moment—the champion raising their trophy high above the Champs-Élysées. Since 2011, that moment has been crowned by a Lasvit creation: a crystal masterpiece that embodies the finest tradition of Czech artisanal heritage among victory.
Standing 60 centimeters tall (23 inches) and weighing 5 kilograms (11 pounds), the Tour de France trophy is a monument to human endurance, designed by Peter Olah of Škoda Design and brought to life by the masterful hands of Lasvit artisans. Each year, as champions grasp this crystal trophy, they hold centuries of Bohemian glassmaking tradition alongside their hard-earned triumph. "When champions raise their trophy, they highlight not only athletic achievement but also our commitment to craft, precision, and cultural heritage." The creation of each year's trophy begins half a year before it graces the podium. At our Ajeto Lindava glassworks, part of the Lasvit Group, artisans embark on a journey of refinement that mirrors the riders' own preparation. Multiple prototypes emerge during this development phase, each one allowing our craftspeople to perfect their glass-cutting techniques. The process is as demanding as the race itself—every facet must be flawless, every angle precise. While the world sees one champion lifting the crystal trophy, our artisans create an entire family of awards: While the trophy's fundamental form has remained constant since 2011, each iteration showcases a different cutting technique and surface treatment. Every year presents a new technical challenge. How do you honor tradition while embracing innovation? How do you create something that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary? The answer lies in the delicate balance between preserving techniques passed down through generations and fearlessly exploring new possibilities in crystal cutting. This year marks a pivotal moment in the trophy's evolution. For the first time in 14 years, the design incorporates an embedded crystal ring—a feat that required unprecedented technical mastery. "Structurally, it was challenging because we had to cut the trophy and reassemble it, which was happening for the first time. But the result looks clean, natural, as if that element had always belonged there," explains Peter Olah, the trophy's designer from Škoda Design. The 2025 iteration represents a bold shift toward sculptural minimalism. Less decorative than previous years, the trophy's power now lies in its pure, architectural form. Alongside this design evolution, 2025 introduces another first: our glassworks developed a special "Emerald Green" color, crafted specifically to honor Škoda Auto's distinctive brand identity. This bespoke hue represents the seamless collaboration between Škoda Auto—the Tour de France's main sponsor and trophy commissioner—and Lasvit's artisanal mastery. This partnership since 2011 represents our shared commitment to excellence that transcends industries. Lasvit's crystal trophies stand as enduring symbols of what becomes possible when human dedication meets precise craftsmanship. Each year, a new champion will raise this crystal creation, but the story it tells—of tradition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of perfection—remains timelessly relevant. The Weight of Victory
A Six-Month Journey from Vision to Victory¨
Innovation Within Tradition: 14 Years of Artistry
2025: Presenting the Crystal Ring
Where Champions and Craftsmen Meet
