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.
Jan Raas is a Dutch former professional cyclist renowned for his impressive 115 wins, including the 1979 World Road Race Championship, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Milan-San Remo. With ten stage victories in the Tour de France and five wins in the Amstel Gold Race, Raas solidified his position as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
Born on November 8, 1952, in Heinkenszand, near Goes in Zeeland, Raas grew up as the son of a farmer and one of 10 children. He showed little interest in cycling until he acquired his first racing bike at 16 and started competing as a junior category, taking his first victory in Damme, Belgium on July 21, 1969.
Raas's amateur success, including stage wins in the Olympia Tour and the national championship, caught the attention of Peter Post, the manager of TIRaleigh, who offered him a contract for 1975. The 22-year-old had a promising first season with two small victories and fourth in the Tour of Belgium. In 1976, Raas became national champion, but parted ways with TIRaleigh seeking more freedom to race.
In 1977, Raas rode for Frisol, achieving victories in Milan-San Remo and the Amstel Gold Race, which prompted Post to reconsider and offer him a new contract with TIRaleigh for 1978. This marked the beginning of Raas's most successful period, as he became the influential force behind the team's success in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Raas was a tactician and clever sprinter, exceling on short climbs characteristic of the northern classics. While he struggled on long, steep climbs, his clever racing style allowed him to achieve impressive results in some of the most prestigious races in the sport.
Raas's legacy extends beyond his impressive palmarès. He played a crucial role in the success of TIRaleigh, leading the team to one of the most dominant performances in Tour de France history in 1980. His influence on the sport continues to be felt, inspiring generations of cyclists to emulate his tactical prowess and racing style.
75 Years Old
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.
53 Years Old
A former professional road racing cyclist who won several stages in the Tour de France and later became a team manager, known for his climbing abilities and doping controversies.
54 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.
56 Years Old
A talented and troubled cyclist who won the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, but struggled with drug addiction and personal demons.
62 Years Old
A Dutch cyclist who won several stages in the Tour de France and later became a team manager, known for his climbing abilities and leadership skills.
