Famous Belgian Cyclists

Eddy Merckx is a Belgian former professional road and track cyclist known for his unparalleled success in competitive cycling. He achieved numerous victories, including eleven Grand Tours, all five Monuments, setting the hour record, three World Championships, and victories in major one-day races. Merckx earned the nickname "The Cannibal" for his dominant performances and total of 525 victories over his eighteen-year career. He is widely considered the greatest and most successful rider in the history of cycling.

Remco Evenepoel is a Belgian professional cyclist riding for UCI WorldTeam Soudal–Quick-Step. He began his career in association football before transitioning to cycling in 2017. Evenepoel made a significant impact by winning the road race and time trial at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships. He turned professional with Deceuninck–Quick-Step and quickly achieved success, winning prestigious races such as the Vuelta a España and UCI World Road Race Championships. Evenepoel continued his winning streak by claiming victory in the Tour de France white jersey and Stage 7 individual time trial in 2024.

Frank Vandenbroucke was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist known for his early success in the 1990s, winning prestigious races such as Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Grand Tour stages, and Omloop Het Volk. However, his career was marred by drug problems, disputes with teams, and suicide attempts. Despite efforts to revive his career with various teams, his drug use and erratic behavior caused him to become alienated from the cycling world. Vandenbroucke passed away in 2009 from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 34.

Philippe Gilbert is a Belgian former professional road bicycle racer known for his success in classic cycle races and major championships. He achieved victories in prestigious events such as the World Road Race Championships in 2012 and winning all three Ardennes classics in a single season. Gilbert also won multiple editions of races like the Amstel Gold Race, Giro di Lombardia, and Paris–Tours. He retired in 2022 after a successful career that included stage wins in all three Grand Tours.

Bjorg Lambrecht was a talented Belgian cyclist who competed for UCI WorldTeam Lotto–Soudal. In August 2018, he was selected to participate in the prestigious 2018 Vuelta a España. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he suffered a fatal crash into a concrete culvert during the third stage of the 2019 Tour de Pologne. Lambrecht's dedication to the sport and his potential as a competitive cyclist were evident throughout his professional life, leaving a lasting impact on the cycling community.

Wouter Weylandt was a Belgian professional cyclist who rode for UCI ProTeam Quick-Step–Davitamon and later for Leopard Trek. He achieved notable success with victories such as the 17th stage of the 2008 Vuelta a España and the third stage of the 2010 Giro d'Italia. Tragically, Weylandt's career was cut short when he suffered a fatal crash during the third stage of the 2011 Giro d'Italia. His untimely death was a loss to the cycling world, leaving behind a legacy of talent and sportsmanship.

Freddy Maertens was a Belgian professional racing cyclist known for his impressive career in the sport. He achieved significant success as a two-time world road race champion, with his career overlapping with fellow Belgian rider Eddy Merckx. Maertens experienced fluctuations in his performance, ranging from winning over 50 races in a season to periods of minimal success. Despite facing challenges such as debt and alcoholism, he showcased remarkable talent by winning numerous Grand Tour stages within a short timeframe.

Tom Boonen is a Belgian former road bicycle racer and current professional racing driver. He competed as a professional cyclist from 2002 to 2017, riding for teams like U.S. Postal Service and Quick-Step Floors. Known for his strong finishing sprint, Boonen won the 2005 UCI World Road Race Championships and claimed victories in prestigious races like Paris–Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders multiple times. He also excelled in events such as the Tour de France, E3 Harelbeke, and the Tour of Qatar, showcasing his talent as a versatile and successful competitor.

Thomas De Gendt is a Belgian professional road racing cyclist known for his successful career riding for various teams such as Topsport Vlaanderen–Mercator, Vacansoleil–DCM, Omega Pharma–Quick-Step, and Lotto–Dstny. De Gendt has achieved seventeen professional victories, including five Grand Tour stage wins spread across the three Grand Tours. He has also claimed five stage wins at the Volta a Catalunya between 2013 and 2021. Notable achievements include winning the mountains classification at the 2018 Vuelta a España and finishing third overall at the 2012 Giro d'Italia.

Roger De Vlaeminck, a Belgian former professional racing cyclist, was hailed as the most talented classics rider of his generation by Rik Van Looy. Known as "The Gypsy," he excelled in cobbled classics like Paris–Roubaix, earning him the nickname "Monsieur Paris–Roubaix." His remarkable performances in various Monument races solidified his reputation as a cycling legend. With a record that few can match, De Vlaeminck left a lasting impact on the sport with his prowess and achievements on the road.

Axel Merckx is a Belgian former professional road cyclist who had a successful career spanning from 1993 to 2007. He achieved notable victories such as winning the Belgian national road race championship in 2000 and securing a bronze medal in the road race at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Following his retirement from competitive cycling, he transitioned into a role as a team director for the UCI Continental team Hagens Berman Jayco, where he continues to contribute his expertise and experience to the sport.

Sven Nys is a former professional cyclist known for his accomplishments in cyclo-cross and mountain biking. With a remarkable career that includes two world championships, seven world cups, and over 140 competitive wins, Nys is widely regarded as one of the top cyclo-cross racers of his era. Beyond his success in cyclo-cross, he has also excelled in mountain biking, winning five national championships and competing in two Olympic Games in that discipline. Nys continues to be a prominent and respected figure in the world of cycling.

Johan Museeuw is a retired Belgian professional road racing cyclist known as The Lion of Flanders. He was active from 1988 to 2004 and excelled in the cobbled classics of Flanders and Northern France. Museeuw is considered one of the top classic races specialists of the 1990s, having won the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix three times each. He also claimed the road world championship in 1996 and received the prestigious Vélo d'Or award that same year. His career includes multiple victories in classic cycle races and impressive achievements in the Tour de France and UCI Road World Cup.

Rik Van Steenbergen was a Belgian racing cyclist renowned for his exceptional talent and numerous victories. He dominated the cycling scene in the 1940s and 1950s, earning a reputation as one of the greatest Belgian cyclists of his era. Known for his sprinting ability and tactical prowess, Van Steenbergen won prestigious races like the World Road Race Championship three times and numerous classic races. His successful career and impressive performance on the cycling circuit solidified his legacy as a true legend in the sport.

Femke Van den Driessche is a former Belgian cyclist who excelled in cyclo-cross, mountain biking, and road racing. She achieved national championships in cyclo-cross and mountain biking as a junior, and later won the European Cyclo-cross Championships in the under-23 category. However, her career took a controversial turn when she became the first cyclist to be charged with mechanical doping at the 2016 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships. As a result, she was retroactively banned from the sport for six years and stripped of her titles.

Greg Van Avermaet is a retired Belgian professional cyclist known for his versatility in modern cycling. He excelled in classic cycle races and hilly terrain stage races, winning prestigious events like the 2016 Summer Olympics road race and one-day races such as Paris–Roubaix and Gent–Wevelgem. Throughout his career, he secured stage wins in Grand Tours like the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. Van Avermaet also topped the UCI World Tour standings in 2017 before retiring in 2023 after joining AG2R Citroën Team for the 2021 season.

Tim Wellens is a Belgian professional road cyclist competing for UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates. Known for his climbing abilities and aggressive racing style, Wellens has achieved success in various stage races and one-day classics. He has secured victories in prestigious events such as the Tour de Pologne, Eneco Tour, and Brabantse Pijl. Wellens is respected for his consistency and determination in challenging terrains, often showcasing his talent in breakaways and uphill finishes. His strong performances have established him as a prominent figure in the professional cycling circuit.

Rik Van Looy, a Belgian professional cyclist, earned the nickname King of the Classics for his dominance in classic cycle races during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was a two-time world professional road race champion and the first cyclist to win all five 'Monuments,' the most prestigious one-day classics. Van Looy amassed 367 professional road victories, ranking second all-time behind Eddy Merckx. Despite numerous falls and injuries, he maintained a fierce sporting rivalry with cycling legends Rik Van Steenbergen and Eddy Merckx during his career.

Eli Iserbyt is a highly accomplished Belgian cyclo-cross and road cyclist, currently riding for UCI Continental team Pauwels Sauzen–Bingoal. Known for his success in the under-23 category, Iserbyt has secured multiple gold medals at prestigious events such as the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships and the UEC European Cyclo-cross Championships. His impressive track record includes victories at the 2016 and 2018 World Championships, establishing him as a formidable force in the world of professional cycling.

Toon Aerts is a Belgian professional cyclist known for his success in both cyclo-cross and road cycling. He competes for UCI Cyclo-cross team Team Deschacht–Group Hens–Containers Maes. Aerts has achieved significant victories, including winning the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup standings twice and securing victories at the European Championships and the Belgian National Championships. However, his career faced a setback when he was found guilty of a doping violation by the UCI, resulting in a two-year ban and the expungement of his results during a specific period.

Andrei Tchmil is a retired professional road bicycle racer who represented multiple countries throughout his career. He began as a Soviet racer until 1991, then represented Moldova from 1992 to 1994, followed by Ukraine from 1994 to 1998, and finally became a Belgian racer in 1998. Tchmil participated in the men's individual road race at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His career spanned various nations, showcasing his versatility and expertise in road cycling at the international level.

Wout van Aert is a Belgian professional road and cyclo-cross racer riding for UCI WorldTeam Visma–Lease a Bike. He achieved significant success in cyclo-cross, winning three consecutive UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships. Transitioning to road racing, he joined Team Jumbo–Visma in 2019 and secured over thirty professional road wins, including stage victories at the Tour de France and winning Milan–San Remo. Van Aert's performance in the 2022 Tour de France further solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished cyclists of his generation, known for his enduring rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel.

Johan Bruyneel is a Belgian former professional road bicycle racer and a former directeur sportif for UCI ProTour teams RadioShack–Nissan and U.S. Postal Service (later known as Discovery Channel). He was involved in a doping scandal that led to a lifetime ban imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Bruyneel's career includes overseeing successful cycling teams and being associated with high-profile athletes like Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his Tour de France titles due to the scandal.

Tara Gins is a seasoned Belgian racing cyclist, known for her impressive career in professional cycling. She currently competes for the Belgian pro team Duolar-Chevalmeire, showcasing her skills and dedication on the cycling circuit. Prior to her current team, Gins has had stints with respected teams such as Lares–Waowdeals, Health Mate–Cyclelive Team, and Memorial–Santos. Her experience extends beyond just riding, as she has also taken on the role of a directeur sportif for the Belgian amateur team S-Bikes AGU, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in the cycling world.

Victor Campenaerts is a Belgian racing cyclist competing for UCI ProTeam Lotto–Dstny. Known for his time trialing abilities, he has achieved success in various individual time trial events. Campenaerts has participated in prestigious races such as the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, showcasing his skills on the international stage. He has garnered attention for setting world records in the Hour Record, demonstrating his strength and endurance. Campenaerts continues to be a prominent figure in the world of professional cycling, inspiring fans with his performances.

Erik De Vlaeminck was a renowned Belgian cyclist, achieving great success in the sport of cyclo-cross. He made history by winning the cyclo-cross world championship seven times, setting a record for male riders that still stands. His victories spanned from 1966 to 1973, showcasing his exceptional talent and dominance in the discipline. De Vlaeminck's skill and determination solidified his legacy as one of the most accomplished cyclo-cross cyclists of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Jolien Verschueren was a Belgian cyclo-cross cyclist known for her time with UCI Cyclo-cross team Pauwels Sauzen–Bingoal. She represented Belgium at the 2016 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships. In addition to her cycling career, Verschueren also worked as a schoolteacher. She achieved notable success by winning the Koppenbergcross in 2015 and 2016. Unfortunately, her career was interrupted when she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2018. Despite attempts at a comeback in 2019 and 2020, her health struggles prevented her from achieving good results. Tragically, she passed away in 2021 due to brain cancer.

Stan Ockers was a Belgian professional racing cyclist known for his success in the Tour de France and other prestigious races. He achieved notable victories in the Classic "Ardennes double" in 1955 and was the best sprinter in the Tour de France in 1955 and 1956. Ockers also won the World Cycling Championship in 1955. Despite his crafty riding style, he was beloved by the public for his genuine personality and popularity among fans. Tragically, he passed away in 1956 due to injuries sustained in a racing accident.

Claude Criquielion was a Belgian professional road bicycle racer from 1979 to 1990, achieving success with a world road race championship win in 1984. He had notable performances in the Tour de France, securing five top-ten finishes. Despite a controversial incident during the 1988 world road race championship, he continued to contribute to cycling as a director sportif and team manager. Criquielion's career faced scrutiny with a positive drug test in 1985, which caused a backlash but did not result in repercussions.

Lucien Van Impe was a Belgian cyclist who competed professionally from 1969 to 1987. Known for his exceptional climbing abilities, he excelled in multiple-day races like the Tour de France. Van Impe claimed victory in the 1976 Tour de France and held the mountains classification title six times during the event. His career was marked by a consistent display of strength and stamina in challenging terrains, solidifying his reputation as one of the top climbers in the world of professional cycling.

Herman Vanspringel was a highly accomplished Belgian road racing cyclist known for his impressive performances in prestigious events such as the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. Throughout his career, he achieved notable podium finishes in all three grand tours, including second place in the 1968 Tour de France and 1971 Giro d'Italia, as well as a third-place finish in the 1970 Vuelta a España. Vanspringel also had the honor of wearing the prestigious maillot jaune during multiple stages of the Tour de France.

Walter Godefroot had a successful professional cycling career, winning races like the Belgian championship, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and Paris–Roubaix. He excelled in one-day classic races and won multiple titles, including the Tour of Flanders and Bordeaux–Paris. Godefroot also achieved success in grand tours, winning stages in the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. After retiring as a cyclist, he became a sports director for teams like Team Telekom and Astana, managing notable riders during successful Tour de France campaigns.

Jolien D'hoore is a Belgian former track and road cyclist with an extensive professional career spanning from 2007 to 2021. She competed for several esteemed teams, including Topsport Vlaanderen–Ridley, Lotto–Belisol Ladies, Wiggle High5, Mitchelton–Scott, and SD Worx. Throughout her career, D'hoore achieved remarkable success, earning numerous national titles in both track and road cycling. Known for her sprinting prowess, she clinched a bronze medal in the omnium at the 2016 Olympics. Following her retirement, D'hoore transitioned into a role as a directeur sportif for UCI Women's Continental Team AG Insurance–Soudal–Quick-Step.

Raymond Impanis was a Belgian professional cyclist from 1947 to 1963. During his career, he achieved notable victories including Paris–Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, and Gent–Wevelgem. Impanis also won three stages in the Tour de France, showcasing his versatility and skill as a cyclist. His achievements solidified his reputation as a successful and respected rider in the competitive world of professional cycling. Impanis' legacy lives on through his impressive performances and contributions to the sport.

Eric Vanderaerden had a successful career as a road cyclist, winning notable races such as prologue time trials in the Vuelta a España and Tour de France, as well as stages in the Tour de France and monument races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix. He excelled in time trials but faced limitations in mountainous terrain. After his active career, he transitioned into team management roles, eventually becoming a directeur sportif with the DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed team, where his son Michael also signed a contract.

Alberic "Briek" Schotte was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist known for his exceptional stamina, earning him the nickname "Iron Briek." He was world champion in 1948 and 1950, won stages in the Tour de France, and secured victories in prestigious races like the Tour of Flanders, Paris–Tours, and Paris–Brussels. Schotte epitomized the Flandrien archetype, embodying the resilient farm boy competing against more well-equipped rivals. After retiring, he enjoyed a successful career as a team coach, mentoring notable riders like Eddy Merckx and Sean Kelly.

Frans Verbeeck is a retired Belgian road bicycle racer known for his successful professional cycling career. He competed in various races and championships, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination on the road. Verbeeck's racing style was characterized by his strength, endurance, and strategic approach, earning him a reputation as a formidable competitor. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous victories and accolades, leaving a lasting impact on the cycling community. Verbeeck's dedication to the sport and passion for racing continue to inspire cyclists around the world.