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.
Leontien van Moorsel is a name synonymous with excellence in women's cycling. With an impressive haul of four Olympic gold medals, multiple world championships, and a stint as the holder of the women's hour record, van Moorsel is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
Van Moorsel's illustrious career spanned nearly three decades, with her first major victory coming in 1987 at the European Junior Championships. She went on to win numerous national and international titles, including the Tour Féminin, the women's equivalent of the Tour de France, twice in the early 1990s.
Her crowning achievement came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where she won gold medals in the road race, time trial, and 3 km pursuit on the track. This phenomenal performance cemented her status as a legend in the sport. Van Moorsel defended her time trial title at the 2004 Summer Olympics, despite a dramatic crash in the road race that left her stretchered off the course.
In 2003, van Moorsel set a new world hour record for women, covering an incredible 46.065 km in Mexico City. This record stood for almost 12 years, until a change in UCI rules prompted a new wave of attempts.
Van Moorsel's dominance extended to the World Championships, where she won multiple titles in the time trial, road race, and track events. Her impressive haul of medals includes three gold medals, four silver medals, and three bronze medals across various disciplines.
Van Moorsel married former track cyclist Michael Zijlaard in 1995, and the couple has a daughter together. After retiring from professional cycling in 2004, van Moorsel remained involved in the sport, becoming the director of the Women's Amstel Gold Race in 2017.
In 2017, van Moorsel faced allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs, specifically EPO, during her competitive years. Although she denied the claims, the controversy has somewhat tarnished her otherwise stellar reputation.
Despite this, van Moorsel's incredible achievements and contributions to women's cycling remain undeniable. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of cyclists, and her name is synonymous with excellence, dedication, and determination.
Leontien van Moorsel's remarkable career serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unparalleled talent. As one of the greatest cyclists of all time, her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate athletes for generations to come.
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.
39 Years Old
A dominant force in women's cycling, winning numerous world championships and setting multiple records in time trials and road racing.
42 Years Old
Australian track cyclist and multiple Olympic and World Champion, renowned for her dominance in the sprint events, earning the title of the most successful Olympic track cyclist of all time.
45 Years Old
A British track cyclist who won two Olympic gold medals and nine World Championship titles, dominating women's sprint events from 2005 to 2012.
