A Belgian professional road racing cyclist, winning several stages in the Tour de France and other notable races, earning him a reputation as a skilled domestique.
Eddy Schepers is a Belgian former professional cyclist, best known for his crucial support role in Stephen Roche's historic victories in the 1987 Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. As a loyal teammate, Schepers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Roche's success, and his selfless contributions have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest domestiques in cycling history.
Schepers turned professional in 1978, joining the CA cycling team under the guidance of Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx. He spent several seasons honing his skills, eventually moving to the Carrera team in 1986, where he would meet and form a lasting partnership with Stephen Roche.
In 1987, Schepers played a vital role in Roche's historic Giro d'Italia and Tour de France victories. On the fifth stage of the Giro, Schepers made a remarkable gesture, allowing Jean-Claude Bagot to take the stage win in exchange for future team support from Bagot's Fagor team. This selfless act demonstrated Schepers' commitment to his teammates and his willingness to put the team's interests above his own.
Throughout the 1987 season, Schepers provided Roche with crucial support, sacrificing his own chances of victory to ensure Roche's success. His efforts paid off, as Roche went on to win both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France.
Schepers' selfless contributions to Roche's victories have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest domestiques in cycling history. His sacrifice and dedication to his teammates have inspired generations of cyclists, and his legacy continues to be felt in the sport today.
Despite his significant contributions to Roche's success, Schepers has remained humble and unassuming, preferring to stay out of the spotlight and avoid seeking personal glory. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the importance of teamwork and sacrifice in achieving greatness.
After retiring from professional cycling in 1990, Schepers went on to ride for the Belgian team Tulip Computers in his final year in the peloton. Little is known about his personal life and later years, but his legacy as a cycling legend continues to endure.
In the words of Stephen Roche, "Eddy Schepers was the best teammate I ever had. He was a true professional, and his dedication to the team was inspiring. I couldn't have achieved what I did without him."
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.
78 Years Old
A dominant force in cyclocross, winning 7 World Championships and 31 national titles, with a storied career spanning multiple disciplines.
Born in 1924
A dominant cyclist of the 1940s and 1950s, winning numerous Classics and World Championships, earning the nickname "The Emperor of Herentals."
82 Years Old
A Belgian cyclist who won three Olympic medals and dominated the sport of track cycling in the 1960s and 1970s, setting multiple world records.