This year LASVIT in Novy Bor created unique crystal trophies for the winners of the most famous cycling race in the world. It is hand-blown and cut by Czech glassmakers. The elegant prize was designed, as in previous years, by designer Peter Olah under the guidance of Jozef Kaban, chief designer of koda Auto, the long-term sponsor of the race. With its décor the trophy is linked to the exceptional design concept of the 'KODA VisionC’.
This year is the fourth time that the glassmakers of LASVIT have hand made the trophies for this famous race. The holders of all four jerseys will once again receive crystal trophies: the overall winner in the yellow jersey, the best cyclist under 25 years old in the white jersey, the best sprinter in the green jersey and the best climber in the polka dot jersey.
The precisely made trophies are produced from one piece of hand-blown and cut crystal glass. Designer Peter Olah was inspired for their silhouette by the dynamics and atmosphere of this most prestigious and difficult cycle race. Each trophy weighs almost 6 kilograms and is more than 60 centimeters tall. The blowing and precise hand cutting and engraving of the 4 trophies took the glassmakers hours of work.
The unique trophy is blown from lead crystal into a wooden mold. The fundamental characteristics of lead crystal was fully utilized, in other words the high refraction of light and gloss. The cup is subsequently decorated with engraving. The whole surface shows marks of engraved wheels which have deeply imprinted themselves into the glass mass in various directions. The overall appearance gives the impression of glittering snow in the sunlight. This gives the whole trophy a unique appearance and beauty. It is not purely a glass cup, but a piece of excellently executed collaboration between the designer and the glassmaking master, a craftsman of the highest quality. It reflects the countless hours spent in the engraving workshop searching for the best result. Every piece is original and was produced under the strict supervision of the designer.
The trophy for the winners links to the décor used on the newly designed and evolutional 5-door coupé, the ‘KODA VisionC’. LASVIT produced components from Czech crystal for this model, which were used for both the interior and exterior of the car. The décor used is the same as this and this year was engraved on the trophy. This project by the car manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav and LASVIT is a continuation of the long-time successful collaboration which has successfully linked the Czech glass tradition with the Czech automobile industry.
"This year’s trophy is a celebration of Czech glass art and skill. We are proud of the fact that through this beautiful trophy was can be a part of the most famous cycle race.
During production we always try to break the existing boundaries and undertake work to the highest quality, the same as the cyclists in the race,” says Leon Jakimic, founder and president of LASVIT.
