A Dutch professional road racing cyclist, winning 11 stages in the Tour de France and 1978 World Champion, known for his attacking style and iconic mustache.
Gerrie Knetemann, born Gerard Friedrich Knetemann, was a Dutch road bicycle racer who etched his name in the annals of cycling history by winning the 1978 UCI Road World Championships. During his illustrious career, he wore the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France four consecutive times between 1977 and 1980, earning him the reputation as one of the most feared and respected riders of his era.
Born on March 6, 1951, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Knetemann's love affair with cycling began at a young age. He turned professional in 1974 and went on to win an impressive 127 races throughout his career. His most notable achievement came in 1978 when he won the World Championships, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cycling.
Knetemann's Tour de France record is nothing short of impressive. He participated in the esteemed race 11 times between 1974 and 1987, winning 10 stages, a Dutch record equalled only by Jan Raas and Joop Zoetemelk. His best year in the Tour de France was 1978, when he led from the sixth stage and went on to win the stage into Lausanne and the final stage on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Knetemann was an integral part of the TIRaleigh team, managed by Peter Post, which dominated the 1980 Tour de France. Alongside his teammates, including Jan Raas and Joop Zoetemelk, they won 12 stages, one of the most impressive team performances in Tour de France history.
In 1983, Knetemann's career took a drastic turn when he crashed during the Dwars door Belgi in Belgium. The recovery took months, and although he continued to ride the Tour de France, his sparkling form never quite returned. He did, however, win the Amstel Gold Race in 1985, a testament to his enduring talent.
After retiring from racing in 1991, Knetemann went on to become the Dutch team selector, passing on his vast knowledge and experience to the next generation of cyclists.
Knetemann's personal life was filled with love and passion. He was married to Gre Donker, also a racing cyclist, and they had three children together, including a son and two daughters. Their daughter, Roxane, born in 1987, followed in her parents' footsteps, becoming a professional cyclist in her own right.
Tragedy struck on November 2, 2004, when Knetemann died while riding his bike in De Schoorlse Duinen in Schoorl, Bergen. He collapsed from a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and motivate cyclists around the world.
Gerrie Knetemann's impact on the world of cycling is immeasurable. He will forever be remembered as a true legend of the sport, a humble and kind soul with a sharp sense of humor, who left an indelible mark on the world of professional cycling.
73 Years Old
A dominant force in professional cycling during the 1970s and 1980s, winning 115 professional races, including the Tour de France and multiple classics. Known for his exceptional sprinting ability and tactical prowess.
84 Years Old
A Dutch cyclist who won the Olympic team time trial and multiple stages in the Tour de France, known for his impressive sprinting abilities.
56 Years Old
A dominant force in women's cycling, winning four Olympic gold medals and multiple world championships, setting numerous records and inspiring generations of female cyclists.
38 Years Old
A dominant force in women's professional cycling, winning numerous World Championships and Olympic titles, and credited with popularizing the sport among women.
35 Years Old
A Dutch professional road bicycle racer who won the 2017 Giro d'Italia and is known for his time-trialling skills. He's a prominent figure in the world of professional cycling.
