The Weight of 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."
A Six-Month Journey from Vision to Victory¨
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.
Innovation Within Tradition: 15 Years of Artistry
While the world sees one champion lifting the crystal trophy, our artisans create an entire family of awards:
- 7 crystal trophies in total
- 4 green trophies for the points classification winner
- 3 clear crystal versions for The winner and individual category champions
- Multiple prototypes and samples representing dozens of hours of work
The most remarkable aspect of Lasvit's Tour de France partnership lies in both consistency and creative evolution. While the trophy's fundamental form has remained constant since 2011, each iteration showcases a different cutting technique and surface treatment. From geometric precision to organic flowing forms, each year's surface design tells its own story while maintaining the trophy's iconic silhouette.
The Artisan's Mastery
Every year presents our master craftspeople with 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 partnership since 2011 represents our shared commitment to excellence that transcends industries. As riders push their bodies to extraordinary limits across French mountains and plains, our artisans push the boundaries of what's possible in crystal. Both journeys demand complete mastery of their craft, whether navigating a treacherous descent or executing a flawless cut that catches light exactly as envisioned.
Ready to bring Lasvit's vision to your space? Discover how our bespoke lighting installations and crystal sculptures can transform your environment into something extraordinary. From architectural lighting solutions to custom artisanal pieces, we create experiences that last a lifetime.
