2016 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Donkey - Jasper Stuyven

When Jasper Stuyven crossed the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne finishing line as the winner, he pointed at the sky. He was thinking of his late grandfather, a local man. Stuyven's particularly strong cycling skills became apparent during the race. He reacted to an attack from the world champion Sagan and later gave a big push himself. With 17 kilometres still to go Jasper Stuyven headed off for good. Out in front with a fierce wind blowing in his face, and behind him a scurrying group of chasers with names like Boonen and Van Avermaet. But 23-year-old Stuyven stood his ground and won the race in Kuurne along with a cuddly toy donkey. The organisers drew their inspiration for this trophy from Kuurne's nickname, which is the municipality inhabited by donkeys. Stuyven was handed a second toy donkey five years later. Not because of another triumph, but as a gift from his winning teammate Mads Pedersen.