A Belgian professional road racing cyclist who won several stages in the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, known for his sprinting abilities.
Alfons De Wolf, a Belgian road race cyclist, born on June 22, 1956, in Willebroek, is renowned for his outstanding performance in the 1979 Vuelta a España, where he dominated the race by winning five stages, including an individual time trial, and securing the Points Classification and a top 10 place in the General Classification.
Forecasted to be the successor to the legendary Eddy Merckx, De Wolf lived up to the hype by winning the 1980 Giro di Lombardia and the 1981 Milan-San Remo, cementing his position as one of the leading cyclists of his generation.
De Wolf defied the conventional Flemish cyclist mold, preferring Italian races like Milan-San Remo to the traditional Paris-Roubaix, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Tour of Flanders. He excelled in hilly races, despite not being an impressive climber.
De Wolf often lamented the burden of being seen as the next Eddy Merckx, feeling that the public had unrealistic expectations. He believed that his unique style and strengths were often overlooked in the shadow of his idolized predecessor.
After retiring from professional cycling in 1990, De Wolf went on to help his wife in her funeral parlor in Dworp, a small town in the south of Brussels. He has kept a low profile, away from the spotlight, content in his simple, post-cycling life.
Alfons De Wolf's impressive career has left an indelible mark on the world of cycling. His unconventional style and successes have inspired generations of cyclists, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the cycling community.
81 Years Old
A Belgian cycling legend and iconic sports broadcaster, renowned for his unparalleled dominance in the sport, winning numerous Tour de France titles and setting multiple records.
71 Years Old
A dominant force in professional cycling, winning five Tour de France titles and three World Championships, earning the nickname "The Badger" for his fierce competitiveness.
55 Years Old
A legendary cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, but was later stripped of his titles due to a doping scandal.
65 Years Old
Three-time Tour de France winner and pioneer in the use of aerodynamic equipment and modern training methods, known for his fierce rivalry with Bernard Hinault.
Born in 1871
First winner of the Tour de France in 1903, known for his pioneering spirit and cycling achievements that paved the way for future generations of cyclists.
Born in 1889
French cyclist who won the 1923 Tour de France and was known for his outspoken criticism of the race's organizers and his iconic handlebar mustache.
Born in 1914
A legendary Italian cyclist who won the Tour de France twice and helped Jews escape persecution during World War II.
