Belgian former cyclist Ludo Dierckxsens (60) died in a tragic way

Belgian former cyclist Ludo Dierckxsens (60) died in a tragic way

Ludo Dierckxsens died on Thursday at the age of sixty. The Belgian former professional cyclist became unwell during a cycling event for charity. Dierckxsens was a popular rider and won a stage in the Tour de France, but was later suspended.

Dierckxsens participated in the 1,000 km for Kom op tegen Kanker in Belgium on Thursday. The former professional cyclist became unwell during the ride and fell. He was resuscitated, but it was to no avail.

With that, Belgium loses one of the most popular riders of around the turn of the century. Dierckxsens had a characteristic, bald head with a broad smile, with which he could melt many of his compatriots.

In 1999, Dierckxsens won the Belgian title on the road. This victory allowed him to ride for a year in the black-yellow-red jersey of the national tricolor. That shirt stood out strikingly against the pink-blue pants of his team sponsor Lampre.

Clad in this colorful outfit, Dierckxsens rode an impressive Tour de France. He won the eleventh stage after a solo. From that moment on, not only Belgium, but the entire cycling world was familiar with his characteristic grin.

Awkward interview after victory

Immediately after that dream victory, Dierckxsens did something awkward, by telling in an interview about a cure for his knee injury in the run-up to the Tour. A prohibited substance had been used. Dierckxsens was immediately taken out of the race and received a six-month suspension.

Dierckxsens had no specific weapons as a cyclist, but was an attacker par excellence. On good days, he could also compete with the best in classics. Dierckxsens finished eighth in the Tour of Flanders in 2001 and sixth in Paris-Roubaix.

In 2005, he said goodbye to professional cycling. After his career, Dierckxsens opened a bicycle shop. The popular former professional was still regularly seen in the Flemish media.

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