A dominant sprinter in the 1990s and early 2000s, winning numerous stages in the Tour de France and other major races. Known for his impressive speed and tactical awareness.
Tom Steels is a renowned Belgian former professional road bicycle racer, specializing in sprint finishes and one-day races. With an impressive career spanning over a decade, he earned the reputation as one of the top sprinters in the peloton, with an unprecedented number of stage wins in the Tour de France.
Born on September 2, 1971, Steels began his professional cycling career in 1994 with the Vlaanderen 2002 team, where he won eight times in his first two seasons. His breakthrough came in 1996 when he signed with Mapei, winning Omloop Het Volk and Gent-Wevelgem, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
In 1997, Steels rode in his first Tour de France, where he showed promise with a second-place finish on Stage 2. However, his tournament was cut short due to disqualification after throwing a water bottle at another rider, earning him the nickname "Tom Bidon."
In 1998, Steels bounced back, winning four stages in the Tour de France and becoming the national champion for the second time. He continued to excel, winning five more stages in the 1999 and 2000 Tour de France, solidifying his position as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
After retiring from racing at the end of the 2008 season, Steels went on to become a coach for Quick Step, a ProTour team, in 2011. His coaching career was marked by success, with his riders achieving numerous victories under his guidance.
As a testament to his legacy, Steels holds the record for the most Belgian road championships, with wins in 1998, 2002, and 2004. He is also the uncle of fellow racing cyclist Stijn Steels, continuing the family's cycling tradition.
Throughout his career, Steels has received numerous awards and honors, including multiple stage wins in the Tour de France, national championships, and recognition as one of the greatest sprinters in cycling history.
Tom Steels' remarkable career, coaching achievements, and legacy have cemented his place as one of the greatest sprinters in cycling history, inspiring future generations of cyclists and fans alike.
59 Years Old
A dominant sprinter in professional cycling, winning a record 57 individual stages in the Giro d'Italia and 12 stages in the Tour de France. Known for his flamboyant style and charismatic personality.
56 Years Old
A professional cyclist who won numerous stages in the Tour de France and held the record for most stage wins, earning him the nickname "Eternal Second" for consistently finishing second in the overall standings.
55 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.
52 Years Old
German cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1997 and was a key rival to Lance Armstrong, earning him the nickname "Der Kaiser" (The Emperor). He's also known for his doping scandals and subsequent bans.
54 Years Old
Australian professional road cyclist, known for his sprinting ability and winning multiple stages in the Tour de France
48 Years Old
Australian professional road racing cyclist who won the green jersey at the 2003 Tour de France, known for his sprinting abilities and stage wins.
53 Years Old
Australian cyclist who won numerous titles, including Paris-Roubaix and Olympic medals, known for his versatility and endurance on the road and track.
