Belgium is known for its cycling culture, and it has produced some of the best cyclists in the world. From Eddy Merckx, the Greatest of All Time, to Tom Boonen, the record holder for most Tour of Flanders wins, Belgian cyclists have been making waves in the sport for decades.
We take a look at the best cycling players in Belgium, their impressive accomplishments, and why they are considered to be some of the best in the sport.
1. Wout van Aert
Wout van Aert is a highly successful Belgian professional cyclist who competes in both road and cyclo-cross races. He is currently part of the UCI WorldTeam Team Jumbo–Visma.
Van Aert is most notably a three-time UCI Cyclo-cross World Champion, having won the men’s race in consecutive years from 2016 to 2018.
This is a remarkable feat, an indication of his skill and determination as a cyclist. Van Aert is a highly respected and accomplished cyclist, both in the road and cyclo-cross disciplines.
His impressive streak of three consecutive world championship victories is a testament to his skill and dedication. He is an inspiration to fellow cyclists and a source of pride for his home country of Belgium.
2. Eddy Merckx
Édouard Louis Joseph, Baron Merckx, is a Belgian former professional road and track cyclist racer. He is widely considered to be the best cyclist in history, having achieved remarkable success in the sport over the course of his career.
Merckx won five Tour de France titles, three Giro d’Italia titles, five Vuelta a España titles, and seven world championships – a total of eleven grand tours. He also holds the record for the most stage wins in the Tour de France, with thirty-four.
Merckx has earned numerous other accolades, including being named the Belgian Sportsman of the Century, and was inducted into the International Cycling Hall of Fame in 2013.
His prowess on the bike was legendary, and he was known for his relentless attack and relentless drive to victory. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to excellence have made him an icon in the world of competitive cycling.
3. Remco Evenepoel
Remco Evenepoel is a Belgian professional cyclist who currently competes for UCI WorldTeam Soudal–Quick-Step. Remco is the son of Patrick Evenepoel, a former racing cyclist who won the 1993 Grand Prix de Wallonie.
Before becoming a cyclist, Remco started his sport career playing association football for the youth teams of R.S.C. Evenepoel is a highly talented cyclist, and he has already achieved success in his young career.
In 2019, he became the youngest cyclist to win a UCI World Tour race, and he has also won multiple stages in the Vuelta a España and the Giro d’Italia. He is widely regarded as one of the most promising young riders in the sport.
4. Jasper Philipsen
Jasper Philipsen is a Belgian professional cyclist who is currently competing in the UCI WorldTeam Alpecin–Deceuninck. He is known for his sprinter abilities and has gained notoriety for his successes in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.
Philipsen’s successes in both of these major competitions have been impressive, with multiple stage wins across both of their routes.
His wins have helped him to become a renowned cyclist in the professional cycling circuit and have also gained him notoriety with fans of the sport. He has become a popular figure in the sport, and his successes have helped to make him a well-known name in the cycling world.
Philipsen is an important figure in the sport and is an example of what is achievable in the cycling world.
5. Arnaud De Lie
Arnaud De Lie is a Belgian professional cyclist who is currently riding for UCI WorldTeam Lotto–Dstny. He began his career in cycling with the Lotto–Soudal U23 team, which he joined at the end of the 2021 season.
After a successful run with the team, he was promoted to the UCI WorldTeam Lotto–Dstny for the 2021 season, cementing his place in the professional cycling world.
De Lie is known for his impressive speed and endurance, as well as his ability to ride in any terrain and weather conditions. He is often seen leading the peloton in major races, and his results speak for themselves.
With his continued success, De Lie is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the professional cycling world for years to come.
6. Roger De Vlaeminck
Roger De Vlaeminck is one of the most successful Belgian professional cyclists of all time. He was renowned for his exceptional talent in the “Classics”, which are one-day professional road bicycle races held annually.
Rik Van Looy, a fellow Belgian professional cyclist, famously described De Vlaeminck as “The most talented and the only real classics rider of his generation”.
This speaks to De Vlaeminck’s unique ability to excel in the Classics and his standing as one of the best cyclists of his era.De Vlaeminck was known for his strength on cobbled roads, which are often featured in the Classics.
He was especially successful in the Tour of Flanders, a one-day race held in Belgium. He won the race four times, a record shared with Achiel Buysse. He also won the Paris-Roubaix race three times, the most of any cyclist in history.
His other major victories include two editions of the Giro di Lombardia, the 1975 edition of the UCI Road World Championship, and the 1979 edition of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championship.De Vlaeminck’s success in the Classics earned him the nickname “The Gypsy” due to his mastery of the cobbled roads.
He was a fierce competitor and earned a reputation for being a hard-nosed racer. He was known for his aggressive style and willingness to take risks in order to gain an advantage over his opponents.
Despite his success in the Classics, De Vlaeminck never achieved the same level of success in the Grand Tours, which are multi-stage races. De Vlaeminck’s impressive career spanned from 1968 to 1985.
During this time, he earned numerous accolades, including being named Belgian Sportsman of the Year in 1975 and 1976. He was inducted into the Belgian Cycling Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UCI Hall of Fame in 2018.
His legacy lives on in the world of professional cycling, and he is remembered as one of the greatest riders of his generation.
7. Philippe Thys
Philippe Thys was an impressive professional cyclist from Belgium. He was the first Belgian cyclist to win the Tour de France, a cycling race that covers around 3,500 kilometers of French terrain.
Thys won his first Tour de France victory in 1913 and went on to win two more in 1914 and 1920. His success in the Tour de France helped to raise the profile of Belgian cycling, and he is still considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
Thys was an incredibly strong cyclist and in his Tour de France victories he demonstrated an impressive ability to stay in the lead. He was also known for his attacking style, often launching surprise attacks on his opponents.
He was also a master of the art of drafting, which is the technique of riding behind another cyclist to benefit from their slipstream. He was also an incredibly tenacious rider, and even when the odds were against him, he never gave up.
Thys was also a skilled tactician, using his knowledge of the terrain to his advantage. He was known for being able to read the course and identify the best route to take.
He was also an incredibly strong climber, often attacking in the mountains to gain an advantage over his opponents. Philippe Thys was an exceptional cyclist, and his three Tour de France victories are a testament to his skill and determination.
He helped to raise the profile of Belgian cycling, and his legacy continues to inspire cyclists today.
8. Tom Boonen
Tom Boonen is a highly accomplished cyclist and racing driver. He was a professional road bicycle racer between 2002 and 2017, competing for the U.S. Postal Service and Quick-Step Floors teams.
His success as a cyclist saw him win two World Championships, four Tour of Flanders, three Paris-Roubaix, two E3 Prijs Vlaanderen, and one Gent-Wevelgem.In recent years, Tom has taken up racing cars, competing in Belcar, a Belgian racing series.
Before this, he competed in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. In both series, he has earned the respect of his fellow competitors, as he continues to push himself to achieve greater success in the racing world.
Tom’s impressive career has seen him recognized for his achievements, winning the Flemish Sportsman of the Year award in 2004. His legacy as one of the most talented and successful cyclists of his generation will surely live on.
9. Rik Van Steenbergen
Hendrik “Rik” Van Steenbergen was a Belgian professional cyclist who made a huge impact on the cycling world. He was born in 1899 in the Belgian province of East Flanders and began competing in cycling events in his teens.
He quickly rose to prominence with his impressive performances in road races and track events alike. Van Steenbergen’s career spanned three decades, during which he won many top titles – including three world championships and twelve Belgian national championships.
He also won the Giro di Lombardia twice and the Paris-Roubaix four times, as well as numerous other races.
His prowess earned him the nickname “The Emperor of the Velodrome”.Van Steenbergen was widely regarded as one of the greatest Belgian cyclists of all time, and his achievements put him among the pantheon of cycling greats.
He was known for his tactical acumen, his powerful sprinting ability, and his sheer determination to win. He always rode with passion and never gave up, even when faced with difficult odds.
His legacy remains strong in the cycling world, and his name is still revered by cycling fans around the world. His iconic status in his native Belgium is highly evident too – in 2015, a bronze statue of Van Steenbergen was erected in his hometown of Aalst.
It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
10. Freddy Maertens
Freddy Maertens was a highly accomplished professional racing cyclist from Belgium. He achieved the prestigious title of world road race champion twice in his career.
Unfortunately for Freddy, his career coincided with the height of Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx’s career, leading to a split in opinions over who was the better rider.
Supporters and reporters were divided between the two, with some staunchly supporting Freddy’s success and others backing Eddy’s accomplishments. While both cyclists achieved immense success, it was impossible to come to a consensus on who was the superior athlete.
Despite the divided opinions, Freddy Maertens was a highly respected racing cyclist and will be remembered for his impressive career in the sport.
11. Lucien Van Impe
Lucien Van Impe was one of the most successful cyclists of his era. He competed professionally between 1969 and 1987, making him one of the longest-serving professional cyclists in the history of the sport.
His most impressive achievements came in multiple-day races such as the Tour de France, where he excelled as a climber. This talent for climbing enabled him to win one of the most prestigious events in cycling, the 1976 Tour de France.
In addition to this achievement, he also won the mountains classification in the Tour de France six times, a testament to his climbing prowess. Van Impe was a dominant figure in cycling during his era, and his success is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
His achievements remain an inspiration to cyclists and sports fans alike, and his legacy continues to be highly respected in the cycling world.
12. Rik Van Looy
Henri “Rik” Van Looy was a highly accomplished professional cyclist from Belgium who enjoyed success in the post-war period.
He earned the nicknames “King of the Classics” and “Emperor of Herentals” due to his dominance in the classic cycle races in the late 1950s and first half of the 1960s. Van Looy was known for his attacking style of racing.
He was an aggressive rider who was willing to take risks and push himself to the limit. He was a master tactician who could read races and anticipate his opponent’s moves.
His success was also due to his strong physical fitness and mental strength. Van Looy was a three-time winner of the Tour of Flanders, four-time winner of the Paris-Roubaix, and three-time winner of the Ghent-Wevelgem.
He also won numerous other prestigious races such as the Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Lombardy, and the Criterium National. He was the first cyclist to win all three of the major spring classics: the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the Ghent-Wevelgem.
In 1960, he was crowned Belgian National Champion. Van Looy was one of the most revered cyclists of his era. His popularity extended beyond the cycling world and he became an icon in his native Belgium. He was an inspiration to many and a symbol of Belgian cycling greatness.
His legacy lives on to this day, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
13. Philippe Gilbert
Philippe Gilbert is a renowned former professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He is widely known for his impressive feat of winning the 2012 UCI Road World Championships, where he beat his opponents from all around the world.
Additionally, he is one of two riders in UCI history, alongside Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin, to have won the Ardennes Triple, which is a series of three classic one-day races in the spring season.
The three races include the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Gilbert was able to win all three races in a single season, a remarkable feat that has never been achieved by any other cyclist.
Furthermore, he has achieved a total of six monument classics during his career, which is the highest number of any active rider. Gilbert officially retired from professional cycling in 2019 and his achievements will remain in the history books for many years to come.
14. Patrick Sercu
Patrick Sercu was a Belgian cyclist who had a remarkable career between the years of 1961 and 1983. He was active on both the road and track and achieved a great deal of success in both arenas.
On the track, Sercu won the gold medal for the 1 km time trial at the 1964 Summer Olympics and also won three world titles in the sprint in 1963, 1967 and 1969. Aside from his track accomplishments, Sercu also excelled on the road.
He earned the coveted green jersey in the 1974 Tour de France, a major cycling competition. Sercu’s impressive career in cycling earned him recognition and respect amongst his peers, and he is still remembered fondly by cycling enthusiasts around the world.
15. Greg Van Avermaet
Greg Van Avermaet is a professional cyclist from Belgium who is currently a member of the AG2R Citroën Team, a UCI World Team. Van Avermaet has been a professional cyclist since 2005 and has become a major force in the world of cycling since then.
He has won numerous races and championships, including the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the Olympic gold medal in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. He is also a two-time World Champion in the team time trial.
Van Avermaet is considered one of the best cyclists in the world and his impressive career has earned him a place among the top riders in the sport. He is known for his powerful sprints and ability to stay ahead of the competition.
He has also been awarded the prestigious Belgian Sportsman of the Year award. Van Avermaet is a role model for young cyclists and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
16. Firmin Lambot
Firmin Lambot was a professional Belgian cyclist who made a name for himself by becoming a two-time winner of the Tour de France. He was born in the small town of Florennes, Belgium, and worked as a saddler for a living.
Lambot was a hard worker, often putting in 12 hours a day, starting at 6am. This intense work ethic is likely what drove him to buy his first bicycle at 17, and begin riding 50 km a day to and from work.
This dedication to cycling set him on a path that would eventually lead to his two Tour de France victories. Lambot has gone down in history as one of the most accomplished Belgian cyclists of all time.
17. Sylvère Maes
Sylvère Maes was a renowned Belgian cyclist who is best remembered for his impressive wins in the Tour de France in 1936 and 1939.
In the 1937 Tour de France, Maes was leading the general classification when he and his Belgian team decided to leave the race in response to the actions of French spectators and decisions from the jury.
Maes’ decision to leave the race was a controversial one, and it was met with a great deal of criticism. Despite the criticism, Maes’ decision was a testament to his principles and his dedication to cycling.
He was determined to let his actions speak louder than words, and he refused to be a part of a race that was marred by unfairness. Maes’ decision to leave the Tour de France in 1937 was a bold move and a reminder of the strength of his character.
18. Frédéric Amorison
Frédéric Amorison is a former professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He was a part of the UCI Continental team Wallonie-Bruxelles in his last season as a racer.
Prior to that, he was a part of the Crelan–Euphony team, leaving at the end of the 2013 season to join Wallonie-Bruxelles for the 2014 season. Amorison enjoyed a successful career in cycling, taking part in several races throughout Europe, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and the Vuelta a España.
He was also the Belgian National Road Race Champion in 2009 and 2010. After retiring from professional cycling, Amorison remained active in the sport, taking part in various amateur races and also giving back to the cycling community by providing coaching to young cyclists.
19. Johan Coenen
Johan Coenen is a former professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He was active in the sport between 2002 and 2015, competing for four different teams: Marlux, Unibet.com, Topsport Vlaanderen–Mercator, and Differdange–Losch.
Coenen began his professional career in 2002 with the Marlux team, where he quickly established himself as a reliable rider and a consistent finisher.
He continued to ride for the team for four years, until 2006, when he moved to Unibet.com.At Unibet.com, Coenen found great success, winning a string of races and consistently placing in the top 10 in many events.
He continued to ride for the team until 2009 when he moved to Topsport Vlaanderen–Mercator. At Topsport Vlaanderen–Mercator, Coenen continued to perform well but had difficulty finding the same success as he had at Unibet.com.
In 2012, he moved to Differdange–Losch, where he rode for three more years until 2015, when he retired from professional cycling. Throughout his career, Coenen was a consistent and reliable rider and was known for his solid performances.
He was a great asset to each of the teams he rode for, and his dedication and hard work will always be remembered in the cycling world.
20. Raymond Impanis
Raymond Impanis was a Belgian professional cyclist who raced from 1947 to 1963. During his career, he achieved remarkable success, particularly in the cycling classics. He won Paris–Roubaix, one of the oldest and most prestigious one-day races in the world, in 1951.
Additionally, he won the Tour of Flanders, another classic race, in 1953. He also won Gent–Wevelgem, a semi-classic race, and three stages in the Tour de France. In addition to his wins, Impanis was consistently competitive throughout his career.
He was always a threat to win, as evidenced by the fact that he finished in the top 5 of Paris–Roubaix four times, with a second-place finish in 1952.
He also earned podium finishes in the Tour of Flanders, the Tour of Belgium, and the Tour of Luxembourg. Raymond Impanis was a highly respected cyclist in his day, and his accomplishments earned him a place in the Belgian Cycling Hall of Fame.
He was a beloved figure in Belgian cycling, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
21. Frank Vandenbroucke
Frank Vandenbroucke was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist who first demonstrated his potential in track and field events during his teenage years. After transitioning to cycling in the late 1980s, he quickly rose to prominence in the sport.
Vandenbroucke was known for his powerful sprinting ability, which enabled him to win multiple one-day races and stage races. He was also successful in shorter time trials, and his strong climbing skills enabled him to excel in hilly terrain.
Vandenbroucke’s professional career saw a number of successes, including a Tour de France stage victory in 1999, as well as numerous other victories in road races and one-day classics.
He was also able to win multiple national championships and represent his country at the Olympic Games. Despite his successes, Vandenbroucke encountered a number of personal problems throughout his career, which eventually led to his premature retirement in 2004.
In the years since his retirement, Vandenbroucke has been remembered as one of the most talented and successful Belgian cyclists of his era. His legacy in the sport lives on through the many athletes he has inspired and the numerous achievements he attained during his career.
22. Odile Defraye
Odile Defraye was an incredibly talented Belgian road racing cyclist. He was particularly successful in the 1912 Tour de France, where he won three stages and the overall title.
The 1912 Tour de France was a special event, as it was the last tour that was decided by a points system instead of overall best time.
This points system meant that cyclists could collect points by finishing in the top positions of individual stages, and the cyclist with the most points at the end of the tour would be crowned the winner.
Defraye was a master of this system, and he was able to out-perform his opponents to take home the title.
His performance in the 1912 Tour de France was a testament to his skill as a road racer, and it stands as a reminder of the amazing feats of athletic prowess that Defraye was capable of achieving.
23. Dries Devenyns
Dries Devenyns is an accomplished professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He is currently a member of the UCI WorldTeam Soudal–Quick-Step, a professional cycling team that competes in international cycling races.
Devenyns has been racing since the early 2000s and has had success in a variety of races, including the Tour of Flanders and the Vuelta a España. His most recent victory came in 2018 when he won the one-day race Paris-Tours.
His impressive cycling career has seen him compete in a variety of prestigious races, such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Devenyns has also had the honor of representing his country in international events, such as the UCI Road World Championships.
He is an experienced and talented cyclist and is highly respected in the cycling community.
24. Briek Schotte
Alberic Schotte was one of the greatest and most successful professional road racing cyclists in the 1940s and 1950s. Born in Belgium, he was known as “Iron Briek” due to his impressive physical stamina and strength.
He was crowned world champion in 1948 and 1950 and also achieved notable successes in the Tour de France. In 1947 he won the last stage of the Tour de France, and in 1948 he finished second overall, only behind the legendary Italian cyclist Gino Bartali.
His accomplishments were remarkable and stand as a testament to his skill and talent as a cyclist. Schotte’s career was a product of his determination and hard work. He trained relentlessly to develop a powerful and enduring strength, which earned him the nickname “Iron Briek”.
He was a fierce competitor, and his successes on the cycling circuit earned him international recognition and admiration. His two world championship titles are a testament to his dedication and skill.
Alberic Schotte’s impressive achievements in the 1940s and 1950s are a testament to his strength, ambition, and skill. He was a true champion, and his legacy lives on as a symbol of excellence in cycling.
He was known as “Iron Briek” for good reason, and his successes in the Tour de France and world championships will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
25. Frans Verbeeck
Frans Verbeeck is a renowned former road bicycle racer from Belgium. He is considered as one of the most successful road racers of his time. He was a professional cyclist from 1977 to 1989.
He gained recognition for his impressive performances in the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and the Vuelta a España. Verbeeck also won many prestigious races, including the Tour of Flanders and the Amstel Gold Race. He also won the UCI World Cup in 1988.
His record of winning three major tours in a single year during the 1985 season has never been broken. He was also the first Belgian to win the Tour of Flanders. Throughout his career, Verbeeck won over one hundred races, which included grand tour stages and classic races.
He was also a four-time national champion of Belgium and won the national time trial championship three times. He was the Belgian national champion in 1983, 1984, 1987, and 1988. Verbeeck was a very successful cyclist who brought glory to his country and inspired many.
He is remembered for his determination and hard work. He is certainly one of the most iconic and respected cyclists in the history of the sport.
26. Johan Museeuw
Johan Museeuw is a legendary Belgian professional road racing cyclist who had a career spanning 16 years from 1988 until 2004.
During his time as a professional cyclist, he earned the nickname “The Lion of Flanders” due to his impressive success in the cobbled classics of Flanders and Northern France.
He was widely considered one of the best classic race specialists of the 1990s, making him a beloved figure in cycling. Museeuw was able to achieve greatness in the cobbled classics, which are one-day races on roads that are difficult in their terrain.
He was known for his powerful sprinting ability and for his confidence in the peloton.
He was able to outmaneuver his opponents and often came out on top in the most difficult of races. Museeuw was equally as successful in the spring classics, where he was able to win the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the Amstel Gold Race.
He also was able to earn a bronze medal in the Road Race at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, making him a truly remarkable athlete. Overall, Johan Museeuw is a legendary professional road racing cyclist who will forever be remembered for his tremendous success in the cobbled classics and spring classics of Flanders and Northern France.
He was a formidable opponent in the peloton and a true champion of the sport.
27. Eric Vanderaerden
Eric Vanderaerden was a Belgian professional road cyclist who retired from the sport after a successful career. He was a very talented cyclist, and his potential was quickly evident when he won the prologue time trial of the Vuelta a España in his debut year of 1983.
That same year, Eric continued to demonstrate his prowess by winning the prologue of the Tour de France and wearing the coveted yellow jersey for two days. This impressive feat showed Eric’s potential to be a strong competitor in the cycling world.
His consistent success in the sport earned him a place in cycling history.
28. Herman Vanspringel
Herman Vanspringel was a professional road racing cyclist from Belgium. He was born and raised in Grobbendonk, a small town located in the Flemish Campine or Kempen region.
Vanspringel was a well-known cyclist in the road racing circuit and had a successful career, competing in numerous races across Europe. He was known for his prowess in sprints, and his ability to climb hills quickly.
His name is sometimes spelled Herman Van Springel, as the two versions of his name are interchangeable.
Vanspringel was an important figure in the history of cycling and made many contributions to the sport, such as introducing new training techniques and pushing the boundaries of what was thought to be possible.
He was a respected and beloved figure in the cycling world, and he will always be remembered for his dedication and hard work.
29. Walter Godefroot
Walter Godefroot is a former professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He was also the directeur sportif of Team Telekom, later known as T-Mobile Team.
Godefroot had a successful career as an amateur cyclist, most notably winning the bronze medal in the individual road race of the 1964 Summer Olympics.
On that day, his fellow compatriot Eddy Merckx was caught in the final, meaning that Godefroot was able to take the bronze medal position. This was an incredible accomplishment for Godefroot, and it is a moment that will forever be remembered in his career.
30. Edward Planckaert
Edward Planckaert is a professional Belgian cyclist, who is currently part of the UCI ProTeam Alpecin–Deceuninck. He is part of a family of cyclists, with his brothers Baptiste Planckaert and Emiel Planckaert also involved in the sport.
All three brothers have enjoyed a great deal of success in the cycling world. Edward has had the most success, having been part of the UCI ProTeam Alpecin–Deceuninck since 2018.
He has achieved some great results including victories in the Tour of Turkey, Tour de Wallonie and the Tour de l’Ain.
His brothers have also achieved success in the sport, with Baptiste having won the Belgian National Road Race Championships in 2016, and Emiel having won the Tour de l’Avenir in 2017.
The Planckaert brothers are a true cycling dynasty and are inspiring many more cyclists to take up the sport.
31. Benjamin Declercq
Benjamin Declercq is a former professional cyclist who was active in the sport from 2017 to 2022. He is a Belgian, hailing from the same country as his brother, Tim Declercq.
Tim is currently a professional cyclist on the Soudal–Quick-Step team, a UCI WorldTeam. Benjamin had a successful career as a professional cyclist, competing in both road racing and individual time trials.
He had a number of top ten finishes, as well as a few placements in the top five in races across Europe.
His career was highlighted by a stage win at the 2019 Tour of Wallonia, where he was the first Belgian to do so since 2014. Off the bike, Benjamin has been involved in his brother’s team, Soudal–Quick-Step, acting as an advisor and mentor.
He also works with young cyclists, providing guidance and support to help them reach their potential. Despite his retirement from professional cycling, Benjamin continues to be an active member of the cycling community.
He is a frequent attendee of cycling events and is often seen supporting his brother and other Belgian riders. His influence and mentorship has been invaluable to the growth of cycling in Belgium and beyond.
32. Jean Aerts
Jean Aerts was an impressive Belgian road bicycle racer who specialized in sprinting. In 1935, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first person to win both the world amateur and professional road race championships.
His crowning glory came in the same year when he achieved a first-place victory and the gold medal at the UCI Road World Championships in Floreffe, Belgium. Aerts’ success in the professional world championships was a testament to his immense talent and skill as a sprinter.
He had been competing in various amateur tournaments prior to 1935, and his performance in these tournaments had been exemplary. His ability to maintain a high level of speed throughout the race and to push himself to the finish line was remarkable.
It was this combination of talent and hard work that led to him winning the world championships in 1935. Aerts’ success was widely recognized, and he was hailed as one of the best sprinters of his time.
He was a source of inspiration to many young cyclists, who looked to him as an example of what could be achieved with dedication and hard work.
His incredible success at the world championships has left a lasting legacy in the world of cycling, and his name will always be remembered as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
33. Andrei Tchmil
Andrei Tchmil is a multi-country professional cyclist who has a long history of success in the sport. Born in Moldova, Tchmil began his career as a Soviet cyclist before moving to Ukraine and eventually Belgium.
Throughout his career, Tchmil won numerous awards, including the Paris-Roubaix Classic and the Tour of Flanders, and competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. At the 1996 Olympics, he competed in the men’s individual road race.
Although he did not medal in this event, he was still able to gain recognition for his accomplishments. Today, Tchmil is retired from professional cycling, but his legacy of success will remain in the minds of cycling fans for years to come.
34. Benoni Beheyt
Benoni Beheyt is a Belgian professional road bicycle racer who achieved success in the sport from 1962 to 1968. He won a total of 22 races during his career but is most famous for his two major accomplishments.
In 1963, he won the World Cycling Championships Road Race, a prestigious event that brings together the best cyclists from all around the world to compete for the title of world champion.
This was a major accomplishment for Beheyt and a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. Additionally, in 1964, he won a stage of the Tour de France, one of the most famous and celebrated cycling events in the world.
His win in the Tour de France was another major victory for Beheyt and solidified his status as one of the top road bicycle racers of his day.
35. Ferdinand Bracke
Ferdinand Bracke is a Belgian former professional road and track cyclist who achieved great success in his career. Bracke is most famously known for holding the World Hour Record and winning the overall title at the 1971 Vuelta a España.
This feat was accomplished by beating out fellow countrymen Wilfried David of Belgium and Luis Ocaña of Spain. Furthermore, Bracke was also a world champion, having won the World Pursuit title on the track in 1964 and 1969.
Throughout his career, Bracke was a formidable competitor and an incredible professional cyclist. He was able to take down some of the greatest cyclists of his time and prove his worth on the track and on the road.
His numerous successes and accomplishments have earned him a place in cycling history.
36. Fred De Bruyne
Alfred De Bruyne was a highly successful road cyclist from Belgium. He established himself early on in his career by winning six Tour de France stages, becoming a champion in the process.
He continued to have a great deal of success in his career, going on to win many other Monuments and stage races. De Bruyne was clearly a talented cyclist, and his achievements in the Tour de France were only the beginning of what would become an impressive career.
He set himself apart from other cyclists by consistently delivering great performances in all the races he competed in. He was a celebrated cyclist in Belgium, and his successes were a huge source of pride for the country.
37. Marcel Kint
Marcel Kint was an incredibly successful professional road bicycle racer, who achieved great success in his 16-year career. From 1935 to 1951, Kint managed to take home 31 victories. His most triumphant year was 1938, where he achieved a number of impressive wins.
That year, Kint won the World Cycling Championship, three stages of the Tour de France, as well as the season-long competition equivalent to today’s UCI ProTour.
This impressive feat is a testament to Kint’s skills on the bike, and his ability to consistently compete for the highest honours.
In addition to his wins, Kint achieved numerous other top-three finishes in other big races, making his career one of the most successful in road cycling.
38. Lucien Buysse
Lucien Buysse was a legendary Belgian cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1909. He was a very talented rider and had a lot of success throughout his career. Buysse was born in 1886 in the city of Ghent, in Belgium.
He started his career in the early 1900s and was considered to be one of the top Belgian cyclists of his time. Buysse showed great skill and determination in the races he participated in, and he eventually achieved victory in the Tour de France in 1909.
He was the second Belgian cyclist to ever win the Tour, and his victory was especially impressive because the race was over 2,500 miles long.
He was also the first cyclist to ever complete the race in less than 24 days, crossing the finish line in 23 days, 16 hours, and 54 minutes. Buysse was an incredibly successful cyclist and is remembered as one of the greatest of all time.
He won many other races during his career, including the Paris–Roubaix, the Giro di Lombardia, and the Bordeaux–Paris.
He also famously won the Tour of Flanders three times. After his retirement in 1913, Buysse went on to become a cycling coach, helping to develop the careers of many young riders. He also founded a cycling team which became very successful.
Lucien Buysse was an inspiration to many who followed his career, and he is remembered for his impressive accomplishments as a champion cyclist.
39. Frans Aerenhouts
Frans Aerenhouts was a highly decorated Belgian cyclist who tragically passed away on 30 January 2022 at the age of 84.
During his illustrious career, he achieved remarkable success in the cycling world, most notably winning the prestigious Gent–Wevelgem race in both 1960 and 1961.
Additionally, he also earned a stage victory during the 1963 Vuelta a España, making him one of the most successful Belgian cyclists of all time. Throughout his career, Aerenhouts was known for his attacking style of racing and his love of the sport.
He was also a highly respected coach, mentoring up-and-coming cyclists and helping them reach their potential. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him, and his death has come as a shock to the cycling community. Aerenhouts’ legacy will live on for many years to come.
He was a true champion and his memory will always be remembered by the cycling world. His achievements will be remembered as a shining example of what can be achieved when you dedicate yourself to a sport and work hard to achieve success.
40. Marcel Janssens
Marcel Janssens was an accomplished professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He had an impressive career, culminating in two Tour de France stage wins and a second-place finish overall in 1957 behind Jacques Anquetil.
He also won the Bordeaux–Paris race in 1960 and was third in 1959’s Paris–Roubaix. Janssens was known for his aggressive riding style, which helped him to succeed in the grueling races.
He was able to stay in contention for the overall win in the Tour de France and was able to take two stage wins, one of which was a solo breakaway.
He was also a consistent performer in other races such as the Paris–Roubaix, and was able to secure a third-place finish in 1959. Janssens was able to find success due to his hard work and dedication.
He was able to stay focused and motivated, despite the difficult conditions that the races put him through. His success was an inspiration to many other riders, showing that it is possible to succeed in the sport, no matter the level of competition.
41. Jan Adriaensens
Jan Adriaensens was an accomplished Belgian road bicycle racer who had the distinction of finishing at the podium of the Tour de France twice in his career.
In 1956 and 1960, Adriaensens achieved third place in the Tour de France and was rewarded with the coveted yellow jersey as the leader of the general classification for both of those years.
This is an impressive feat, as the Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and grueling cycling races in the world. With his two third-place finishes, Adriaensens has cemented his place in the history of professional cycling.
His performances serve as an inspiration for future cyclists, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
42. Eric Leman
Eric Leman is a renowned professional road racing cyclist who hails from West Flanders, Belgium. He is considered one of the most successful road cyclists to come out of the region, having won the prestigious Tour of Flanders a total of three times.
His first Tour of Flanders victory came in 1985, and he went on to win it again in 1986 and 1988. This made him the first cyclist to have won the race three times in a row. Leman’s success in the Tour of Flanders further solidified his status as a top-tier cyclist.
He was known for his incredible stamina and ability to break away from the pack when it mattered most. He also had a winning mentality and was not afraid to take risks in order to secure victory.
His success earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of fans all over the world. Eric Leman’s legacy in road cycling is remarkable, and his three Tour of Flanders victories certainly stand out as one of his greatest accomplishments.
He is a true icon and an inspiration to all cyclists, regardless of their nationality.
43. Ludo Peeters
Ludo Peeters was a successful professional road bicycle racer from Belgium. He had an impressive career that spanned sixteen years, from 1974 to 1990.
During this time, he participated in ten editions of the Tour de France, one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world. His efforts paid off as he was able to win three Tour de France stages in three different years: 1980, 1982, and 1986.
These wins showed Peeters’ determination and commitment to the sport, and he was able to achieve a great deal in his career. Peeters was a talented and successful cyclist and will be remembered for his impressive accomplishments in road racing.
44. Guido Reybrouck
Guido Reybrouck is a renowned Belgian former road bicycle racer. He is highly respected in the cycling world and has achieved many accolades for his accomplishments. Guido is also an older brother of Wilfried Reybrouck and a cousin of Gustave Danneels.
Wilfried is also a road bicycle racer, competing in many races and achieving success in his own right. Gustave Danneels is a former Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels and a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.
He was also the President of the Belgian Episcopal Conference and has been widely respected for his work in the Catholic Church. The Reybrouck and Danneels families are close and share a strong bond.
Guido, Wilfried, and Gustave are all part of a larger extended family that has celebrated many successes across a variety of fields.
45. Roger Swerts
Roger Swerts is a Belgian former road bicycle racer who achieved great success in his career. As an amateur, he competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics, where he placed 18th in the individual road race.
He followed this impressive result up with a bronze medal at the 1965 UCI Road World Championships. Following his successes as an amateur, he turned professional later in 1965.
In his professional career, Swerts participated in many road races across Europe, competing against some of the top cyclists in the world.
He was well known for his aggressive racing style and determination, which helped him to achieve consistent results in the races he participated in.
He also had a reputation for being a very strong climber, which often gave him an advantage over his competitors in the grueling mountain stages of races.
Swerts’s career as a professional cyclist was relatively short, lasting only a few years, although he achieved many impressive results in that time. He was an important figure in the development of Belgian road racing and an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists.
After retiring from professional cycling, Swerts continued to be involved in the sport in a variety of ways, including coaching, commentating and even writing books about road racing.
Conclusion
The best cyclists in Belgium are some of the best in the world. They have achieved success in the Grand Tours, World Championships, and many other events.
Their hard work and dedication to the sport has made them stand out from the rest and make them some of the best cyclists in the world.
