A Danish professional road racing cyclist, known for being the first rider to be disqualified from the Tour de France for doping in 1991.
Jesper Skibby, born on March 21, 1964, in Silkeborg, Denmark, is a retired professional road racing cyclist renowned for being one of the few riders to have won stages in all three major tours: Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España.
Skibby's professional career spanned from 1989 to 2000, during which he rode for the Dutch TVM team and later for the Danish team Team home-Jack & Jones. He participated in the Tour de France 11 times, completing it 8 times, and won stage 5 between Avranches and Évreux in 1993.
One of his most notable achievements was winning the Tour of Holland stage race in 1994 after an epic breakaway on the last stage. He also secured numerous individual stages in other races, solidifying his position as a formidable cyclist.
In March 1993, Skibby suffered a double fracture of the skull during a crash in the bunch sprint of stage 5 of Tirreno-Adriatico. However, he made a remarkable recovery and was back racing later that year, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
In 2005, Skibby participated in the television show "Vild Med Dans" (Dancing with the Stars), displaying his versatility beyond the cycling arena.
Skibby comes from a cycling family; his sister is Olympic cyclist Karina Skibby, and his father is Olympic cyclist Willy Skibby, making him a part of a cycling legacy.
In November 2006, Skibby released his autobiography, in which he confessed to having used doping for more than 10 years. He started using steroids in 1991, growth hormones and testosterone in 1992, and EPO in 1993, sparking controversy and introspection within the cycling community.
In 2013, he participated in the television show "Doping Epidemien" (Doping Epidemics), where he shared the consequences of his doping use, further igniting the debate on performance-enhancing substances in sports.
Jesper Skibby's remarkable career and subsequent revelations have left an indelible mark on the world of professional cycling. His achievements serve as a testament to his talent and perseverance, while his openness about doping use has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the sport's complexities.
As a cyclist, television personality, and advocate for clean sports, Skibby's influence extends beyond his racing days, inspiring future generations to prioritize integrity and fair play in their pursuit of excellence.
60 Years Old
A Danish cycling legend who won the Tour de France in 1996, but later admitted to doping, and now manages a professional cycling team.
