Welcome to the Netherlands, the world’s most cycling-friendly nation. Home to some of the most prestigious cycling events in the world, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, the Netherlands also boasts some of the world’s best cyclists.
From sprinters to time-trialists, the Dutch have a long history of producing some of the world’s greatest cyclists. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best cycling players in the Netherlands.
From four-time Tour de France winners to Olympic champions, these riders have all made their mark on the sport. So, let’s take a closer look at the best cycling players in the Netherlands.
1. Joop Zoetemelk
Hendrik Gerardus Joseph “Joop” Zoetemelk is a former professional racing cyclist from the Netherlands. He has had a very successful career in cycling, having competed in the Tour de France an impressive 16 times – a record that stood until he retired from the sport.
He also holds another remarkable record: the most distance ever covered in the Tour de France, with 62,885 kilometers ridden throughout his career.
This remarkable feat is a testament to his dedication and determination as a cyclist and shows just how dedicated he was to his chosen sport.
2. Tom Dumoulin
Tom Dumoulin is an esteemed retired Dutch professional cyclist. During his career, he represented UCI World Team Team Jumbo–Visma. He achieved a remarkable level of success, most notably winning the Giro d’Italia and nine stages across the three Grand Tours.
Furthermore, he has earned five medals in three different World Championships and two Olympic silver medals. Tom Dumoulin stands out as an incredible athlete due to the breadth of his accomplishments.
His ability to win not only the Giro d’Italia but also nine stages across the three Grand Tours is a remarkable feat. The three Grand Tours consist of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, making his success in these races all the more impressive.
Additionally, Dumoulin’s five medals from three different World Championships, as well as two Olympic silver medals, further illustrate his prowess as a cyclist. In summary, Tom Dumoulin is a retired Dutch professional cyclist who was a part of UCI World Team Team Jumbo–Visma.
During his career, he achieved a remarkable level of success, winning the Giro d’Italia and nine stages across the three Grand Tours, as well as five medals in three different World Championships and two Olympic silver medals.
His impressive accomplishments make him a true standout among cyclists.
3. Niki Terpstra
Niki Terpstra is a Dutch former professional racing cyclist who had a long and successful career spanning almost two decades. He began racing in 2003 and competed for six different teams throughout his career before retiring in 2022.
His brother, Mike Terpstra, also had a successful career as a professional cyclist and the two siblings are both well-known in the cycling world. Niki was renowned for his tactical nous and ability to read the race, as well as his endurance and speed.
He won several prestigious races throughout his career, including the Tour of Flanders in 2018, E3 Harelbeke in 2014 and 2015, and Paris-Roubaix in 2014.
He also won several stage races and one-day classics and is widely considered one of the most successful Dutch riders of all time.
4. Robert Gesink
Robert Gesink is an accomplished Dutch professional cyclist, currently riding for UCI World Team Team Jumbo–Visma. He is known for his impressive record of victories, having won the 2012 Tour of California, the 2011 Tour of Oman, and the 2010 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
Gesink has been cycling since he was a child, and has since grown into one of the most successful Dutch cyclists ever. In 2012, he achieved the most significant victory of his career, when he won the Tour of California.
His impressive performance earned him the title of ‘best young rider’ of the race, and a special White Jersey. Two years later, he won the Tour of Oman, a race that was described as “brutally hot”.
In 2010, he won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, one of the most prestigious one-day cycling races.
Beyond these major victories, Gesink has also achieved several impressive podium finishes, including second place at the 2015 Vuelta a España and two third-place finishes at the Tour de France.
He has also won several individual stages of the Tour de France, Tour de Suisse, Tour de Romandie, and Vuelta a España. Gesink’s impressive record of victories has helped to solidify his place in the cycling community.
He is widely respected by his peers, and his victories have earned him the admiration of cycling fans around the world.
5. Jan Janssen
Johannes Adrianus “Jan” Janssen is a Dutch former professional cyclist who achieved great success during his career. He was crowned world champion, a remarkable feat in itself, and managed to win the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
This makes him the first Dutch rider to win either of these prestigious races. Jan Janssen participated in the Tour de France a total of eight times, with the exception of the first time, which he did not finish.
This demonstrates the tenacity and determination of Jan Janssen to succeed in the sport of cycling. His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he is remembered as one of the greatest Dutch cyclists of all time.
6. Hennie Kuiper
Hendrikus Andreas “Hennie” Kuiper is a Dutch former professional road racing cyclist who had a long and successful career. He is best known for his achievements at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the road race.
Not only that, but he also went on to become the world professional road race champion in 1975. Additionally, Kuiper was able to win four of the five prestigious “Monument” classics, which are considered to be some of the most important road races in the world.
This demonstrates his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport and makes him one of the most accomplished cyclists of all time.
7. Bauke Mollema
Bauke Mollema is a Dutch professional cyclist, currently riding for UCI WorldTeam Lidl–Trek. He has achieved remarkable success in all three of the Grand Tours, the most famous and prestigious of cycling races.
In the 2021 Tour de France, he achieved a stage win, while in 2017 he also won a stage in the Tour de France. In 2011, he achieved his best-ever Grand Tour finish when he finished third overall in the Vuelta a España.
This feat was made all the more impressive by the fact that he was the first Dutch cyclist to finish in the top three in the Vuelta a España. Mollema has consistently placed in the top 10 of all Grand Tours, a testament to his longevity and success in cycling.
8. Adri van der Poel
Adri van der Poel is a retired Dutch cyclist who had a professional cycling career spanning 19 years, from 1981 to 2000.
During that time, he achieved a great deal of success, winning six classic cycling races, two stages of the Tour de France, and the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 1996. Van der Poel was a formidable competitor in the cycling world.
He was known for his strength, skill, and determination which allowed him to win races against some of the best cyclists in the world.
He proved his dominance in the sport by winning six classic races, which are some of the most prestigious and physically demanding cycling events in the world.
He also won two stages of the Tour de France, one of the most renowned cycling events in the world, and the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 1996. Van der Poel’s success in the sport is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Throughout his career, he showed that he had the ability to compete at the highest level and achieve success. His accomplishments in the sport will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
9. Gerben Karstens
Gerben Karstens was a Dutch professional racing cyclist who achieved success at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He was part of the 100 km team trial that won the gold medal. His teammates included Bart Zoet, Evert Dolman, and Jan Pieterse.
He also competed in the individual road race, finishing 27th place. Karstens trained hard to prepare for the Olympics, and his hard work paid off with the team trial gold medal.
He was an integral part of the team, and his performance in the race helped the Netherlands to the top of the podium.
He was also determined to do well in the individual road race, and although he did not reach the top of the standings, he still managed to finish in 27th place. Karstens’ success at the 1964 Summer Olympics was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He was part of a successful team who won gold in the team trial, and he was also able to hold his own in the individual road race. Ultimately, Gerben Karstens is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
10. Erik Breukink
Erik Breukink is a Dutch former professional road racing cyclist who had a successful career in the cycling world. He is best known for his achievements in the Tour de France. In 1988, Breukink won the youth competition in the Tour de France.
Two years later, in 1990, he finished 3rd overall in the Tour de France, which is an impressive feat. Following his retirement from racing, Breukink became the manager of the Rabobank team.
In this role, he was responsible for managing the team’s operations, recruiting and training riders, and helping to develop strategies that would help the team achieve success.
Breukink was highly successful in his managerial role, and he is credited with helping to shape the Rabobank team into one of the most successful teams in cycling.
11. Annemiek van Vleuten
Annemiek van Vleuten is an incredibly accomplished Dutch professional road racing cyclist. She currently rides for the UCI Women’s World Team Movistar Team.
Van Vleuten has achieved an immense level of success in her career, as she is a two-time winner of both the road race and the time trial at the UCI Road World Championships.
This is an extraordinary accomplishment, as it demonstrates an incredible ability to excel in both individual and team-oriented cycling events. Her successes have made her one of the most respected and admired female cyclists in the world.
Van Vleuten’s commitment and dedication to the sport of road racing cycling is an inspiration to many, and it has helped to further popularize the sport among both men and women.
12. Michael Boogerd
Michael Boogerd is a renowned Dutch former professional road bicycle racer. He had a successful career in the late 1990s and early 2000s and was one of the key figures in a generation of Dutch cyclists who dominated the racing scene.
Boogerd was a leader in his own right but was also part of a larger movement of Dutch riders that included his teammate Erik Dekker and female cyclist Leontien van Moorsel.
Together, the trio achieved great success on the road and became well-known and respected within the cycling community. Boogerd’s career included several notable successes, including the overall win of the Tour de Suisse in 2004 and a stage win at the Vuelta a España in 2002.
He also won the Ronde van Nederland twice, in 1998 and 2001. Boogerd retired in 2007 and was inducted into the Dutch Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. His success and influence continue to be felt today, and he is remembered fondly as a key figure in the emergence of Dutch cycling.
13. Gerrit Voorting
Gerardus “Gerrit” Petrus Voorting was a Dutch road cyclist who had a successful career spanning from 1947 to 1960.
He was an amateur cyclist when he won the silver medal in the individual road race at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, which is a major accomplishment. During his professional career, Voorting won two Tour de France stages and was the leader of the race for four days.
He wore the yellow jersey during those four days, which is a sign of prestige and honor in the cycling world. Voorting was a successful cyclist and his accomplishments were impressive.
He was an inspiration to many Dutch road cyclists and a great example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
14. Lars Boom
Lars Anthonius Johannes Boom is a professional cyclist from the Netherlands who competes in a variety of disciplines, including cyclo-cross and mountain bike racing.
Throughout his career, he has also competed in road racing, which he took part in between 2004 and 2019. Boom has achieved a number of notable successes in his cycling career.
In 2010, he won the Dutch National Cyclo-cross Championship, and in 2011 he was crowned the UCI Elite Men’s Cyclo-cross World Champion.
He also won the UEC European Cyclo-cross Championships in both 2012 and 2014, and the UCI World Cup twice in 2014 and 2017. In addition to his success in cyclo-cross, Boom also had some success as a mountain biker.
In 2012, he won the Dutch National Mountain Bike Championships, and in 2017 he won the silver medal in the European Mountain Bike Championships. Throughout his career, Boom has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level in both cyclo-cross and mountain bike racing.
He is considered to be one of the most successful Dutch cyclists of all time, and his accomplishments have earned him a great deal of respect and admiration from fans and fellow cyclists alike.
15. Léon van Bon
Léon Hendrik Jan van Bon is a retired Dutch road racing cyclist who achieved impressive success in his career. He won a silver medal in the men’s points race at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
This event was the pinnacle of his career and was the first major international victory for the athlete. Van Bon didn’t achieve success until later on in his career, as his first major win came in 1998 when he won the HEW Cyclassics.
This event was a professional cycling race, and his victory signified his entry into the world of professional cycling. Since then, he has gone on to have a successful career, with a number of other impressive wins.
Van Bon has now retired from professional road racing, but his legacy will live on in the cycling world. His Olympic silver medal and other wins are a testament to his skill and determination as a cyclist.
He is an inspiration to aspiring cyclists all over the world, and his achievements will not soon be forgotten.
16. Theo Bos
Theo Bos is a Dutch former professional road and track cyclist who had a successful career. He was an Olympic silver medalist, winning his medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the men’s individual sprint.
Additionally, Bos was a five-time world champion, winning the World Track Cycling Championships in the men’s keirin event in 2003 and 2005, and the men’s individual sprint in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
Bos is also the brother of Olympic medalist Jan Bos, who won a bronze medal in speed skating at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
His impressive career has made him a household name in the Netherlands and he is held in high regard for his accomplishments in cycling.
17. Kirsten Wild
Kirsten Carlijn Wild is a highly accomplished Dutch racing cyclist with a long and successful career spanning over 17 years.
She has ridden for 8 professional teams in her career, and represented the Netherlands in the Women’s Track Cycling events at 3 Olympic Games: 2012 in London, 2016 in Rio and 2020 in Tokyo.
At the 2020 Games, Wild won an impressive bronze medal in the omnium event, a testament to her talent and dedication. Throughout her career, Wild has achieved many successes, including a gold medal in the points race at the 2016 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, multiple Dutch National titles and a bronze medal in the omnium at the 2013 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.
In addition, she was the European champion in the omnium in both 2011 and 2013, and the points race in 2019. She was also the World Cup omnium champion in 2014.
Kirsten Wild’s career is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest female cyclists of all time.
18. Jean-Paul van Poppel
Jean-Paul van Poppel was a Dutch racing cyclist who was nicknamed ‘Popeye’ due to his determination and strength. He was one of the most successful Dutch road sprinters, and won stages in mass sprints in all three Grand Tours, sometimes from positions that seemed impossible.
Van Poppel was particularly successful in the Tour de France, where he won a total of nine stages. This is a remarkable feat and demonstrates his ability to succeed in the toughest of conditions.
He was a true champion of the cycling world, and his legacy lives on in the world of professional cycling.
19. Jelle Nijdam
Jelle Nijdam is a Dutch former professional road cyclist who achieved success over a long career. He began his professional career after competing in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
During his career, Nijdam took part in the Tour de France an impressive 10 times, winning six stages in the process. In addition to this success, he also wore the yellow jersey for three days, a prestigious accomplishment that reflects his talent and dedication to the sport.
Nijdam was known for his work ethic and dedication to the sport, and his achievements speak to this. His six stage wins and three days wearing the yellow jersey demonstrate his ability to compete with the best in the sport and ascend the podium.
His long career in the professional cycling scene is a testament to his commitment and hard work, making him a true inspiration for future generations of cyclists.
20. Peter Winnen
Peter Johannes Gertrudis Winnen is a Dutch former road racing cyclist who is renowned for his achievements in the cycling world. He competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics in road racing, finishing in a respectable 26th place.
After the Olympics, Winnen made the decision to turn professional in 1981 and embarked on a successful cycling career.
Throughout his cycling career, Winnen achieved a total of 14 victories, including two stages at the iconic Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France and a national championship.
His victories at Alpe d’Huez in particular were incredibly impressive, as this is known as one of the most difficult stages in the Tour de France, due to its steep gradients and the altitude of the mountain.
Winnen’s accomplishments in the cycling world have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Dutch cyclists of all time. He is remembered fondly by cycling fans from all over the world, who continue to be inspired by his achievements.
21. Leo van Vliet
Leonardus Quirinus Machutus van Vliet was a professional racing cyclist from 1978 to 1986. He had a very impressive career, particularly at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
At the Olympics, Van Vliet achieved an impressive 40th place in the road race. Van Vliet’s greatest success came in 1983 when he won the Gent–Wevelgem competition. This was a prestigious event for cyclists and it was a notable achievement for Van Vliet.
He also won the seventh stage of the 1979 Tour de France, further cementing his legacy as an accomplished cyclist. Van Vliet was a true professional athlete who pushed himself to the limit and achieved great things.
His career was an inspiration to many, and he will always be remembered as an exceptional cyclist.
22. Max van Heeswijk
Max Lambert Peter van Heeswijk is a Dutch retired professional road racing cyclist who achieved success in the Olympic Games. He first competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia where he placed 15th in the Road Race.
This was a great accomplishment given the fact that the Olympics is one of the most competitive events in the world. Four years later, Heeswijk competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. He continued his success by finishing 17th in the Road Race.
This was a strong performance and demonstrated his ability to remain consistent and competitive at the highest level of cycling. Heeswijk’s Olympic accomplishments represent the pinnacle of his career.
He retired shortly after the 2004 Summer Olympics and is now remembered as one of the most successful road racing cyclists from the Netherlands. His Olympic performances have left a lasting legacy and he will be remembered for years to come.
23. Roy Schuiten
Roy Schuiten was a Dutch professional track and road racing cyclist. He had an active career in the sport, competing in and winning a number of races. After his retirement from the sport, he embarked on a new career path as a team manager.
In this role, he worked with other cyclists and helped them to become successful in the sport. In addition to his work as a team manager, Roy also opened a restaurant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial skills.
This restaurant was a great success and allowed Roy to pursue his passion for the culinary arts. In this way, Roy was able to continue to stay involved in the sport he loved even after his retirement.
24. Erik Dekker
Hendrik “Erik” Dekker is a former Dutch professional road racing cyclist who was active in the sport from 1992 until 2006. During that time, he was a part of the Rabobank cycling team.
After his retirement in 2006, he stayed with the Rabobank team, this time as one of their team managers. He held this role from 2007 until 2015. Throughout his career, Erik Dekker achieved great success in cycling.
He was a two-time Dutch national road race champion, he won two stages of the Tour de France, and he won two editions of the Amstel Gold Race.
Dekker was also a consistent performer in the Grand Tours, with four top-ten finishes in the Giro d’Italia and two in the Vuelta a España. Despite retiring from professional cycling in 2006, Erik Dekker has stayed close to the sport.
His time as a manager of the Rabobank team saw him work with some of the best cyclists in the world and help guide them to success. Even now, he still works as a cycling commentator, which shows his passion for the sport.
25. Gerrit Schulte
Gerrit Schulte was a renowned Dutch professional track bicycle racer. He was an accomplished athlete, having competed in 73 six-day races throughout the span of his career from 1940 to 1960.
From these races, Schulte emerged victorious 19 times, cementing himself as one of the most successful racers of his era. His success was no small feat, as the six-day race is a grueling event that requires riders to cycle for six consecutive days without a break.
The race is regarded as one of the most demanding endurance events, and Schulte’s 19 wins from 73 starts shows just how talented and resilient he was. His legacy is still alive today, and his name is still remembered as one of the most successful Dutch cyclists of all time.
26. Teun Mulder
Teunis Mulder is a renowned Dutch track cyclist and has achieved great feats in his career. He is a former World Champion in keirin racing, an event in which riders start behind a motorized bike and compete for the best time.
He was also a part of a team sprint race at the World Cup with Theo Bos and Tim Veldt, earning a silver medal for their efforts. As if that weren’t enough, Mulder has also won four World Cup classics in the team sprint and keirin.
These accomplishments speak to the talent and determination of this elite cyclist, who has been successful in all aspects of the sport.
27. Marianne Vos
Marianne Vos is a remarkable athlete from the Netherlands who has achieved success in multiple cycling disciplines. She is currently part of UCI Women’s WorldTeam Team Jumbo–Visma and has been since the beginning of her professional career.
As a young cyclist, Vos won a junior European and World Championship in road racing, a testament to her skill and determination from an early age. Her incredible success continued when she became World Champion in both cyclo-cross and road racing at the age of just 19.
This accomplishment was a remarkable feat and a testament to her incredible talent. Vos is an inspiring athlete who has achieved amazing accomplishments in her cycling career, and her story serves as a reminder of the possibilities that come with hard work and dedication.
28. Maarten den Bakker
Maarten Jan den Bakker is a retired road bicycle racer from the Netherlands. He was a professional rider from 1990 to 2008, with an impressive career spanning nearly two decades.
During his time as a professional rider, Den Bakker was able to win the Dutch National Road Race Championships twice, a feat that speaks of his dedication and skill. He also participated in a total of nine Tours de France, completing each one.
This is an impressive accomplishment, as the Tour de France is a grueling race full of challenges and obstacles.
In 2008, Den Bakker retired from professional cycling, ending a successful career that included two Dutch National Road Race Championships and nine Tours de France completions. He is remembered for his impressive accomplishments in cycling and his dedication to the sport.
29. Jan Bos
Jan Bos is a Dutch athlete who has achieved success in both speedskating and sprint cycling. He won the world championship in speedskating in the late 1990s, an impressive feat. He has also competed in four Winter Olympics, starting in 1998 and running through 2010.
His longevity in this sport is a testament to his skill and dedication. Bos’s success in speedskating is complemented by his achievements in sprint cycling. He has competed in numerous cycling events, including the Tour of Flanders, the Vuelta a España, and the Tour de France.
He has also achieved success in other cycling events, including the Giro d’Italia and the Tour of the Basque Country. The combination of Bos’s accomplishments in both speedskating and sprint cycling is truly remarkable.
His commitment to excellence in both sports is evident, and his ability to remain competitive for so many years is a testament to his skill and dedication. His success in both sports is an inspiration to athletes around the world.
30. Chantal Beltman
Chantal Beltman is a former Dutch professional cyclist who has enjoyed a successful cycling career. She was a member of the 2008 Team High Road Women team, formerly known as the T-Mobile Women cycling team in 2007.
Prior to that, Beltman raced for the Vrienden van het Platteland team in 2006. Interestingly, she is the older sister of Ghita Beltman, who is also a former professional cyclist.
This is indicative of a supportive family environment that has enabled Chantal to make the most of her talents in the sport. Both Beltman siblings have had a remarkable impact on the world of cycling, and Chantal’s achievements have been particularly impressive.
31. Cees Priem
Cees Priem is a retired Dutch professional road bicycle racer who has a long and distinguished career. He competed in the individual road race and team time trial events at the 1972 Summer Olympics and was successful in both events.
After his cycling career, Priem became team manager of the Dutch team TVM, where he continued to be involved in the sport.
He was highly respected in the cycling community and was known for his dedication and commitment to the sport. Priem was a passionate athlete and had a deep understanding of the sport.
His achievements in the professional cycling world were impressive and he was widely respected by his peers. His success in the Olympics was a testament to his skill and ability as a cyclist. After retirement, Priem put his expertise to good use as a team manager for TVM.
He was able to use his knowledge and experience to help the team reach its goals and become one of the most successful professional cycling teams in the Netherlands. Priem’s legacy in the cycling world is immense and he will always be remembered for his dedication to the sport.
He was a trailblazer in the cycling world and his achievements will always be remembered. His commitment to the sport and his success in the Olympics have earned him a place in cycling history.
32. Janus Braspennincx
Adrianus Jacobus “Janus” Braspennincx was a Dutch racing cyclist who had the honor of representing his country in the 1928 Summer Olympics. He was a member of the Dutch pursuit team and his hard work and dedication paid off as he earned a silver medal for his team.
Braspennincx was an excellent cyclist who was able to use his talents to help his country reach success in the Olympics. He was a dedicated athlete who was willing to put in the extra effort to make sure that he and his team were successful.
Even though Braspennincx was not able to take home the gold, he was still able to bring honor to his country by competing in the Olympics and earning a silver medal.
Braspennincx’s performance at the Olympics showed that he was a talented and dedicated athlete who was willing to do whatever it took to help his team succeed.
33. Gerard Bosch van Drakestein
Jonkheer Gerard Dagobert Hendrik Bosch van Drakestein was a renowned Dutch track cyclist. He was born in Mechelen, Belgium in the late 19th century and represented his country at three Summer Olympics.
His career as a track cyclist was quite remarkable, as he was able to achieve multiple successes that placed him in the spotlight of the sporting world.
During his time competing in the Summer Olympics, Gerard was able to achieve great success, which was largely because of his natural talent and hard work.
He was able to win multiple medals, as well as set a number of personal bests, which helped him become one of the most celebrated Dutch track cyclists of his era. Unfortunately, Gerard’s life was cut short when he died in The Hague, Netherlands in his mid-30s.
Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on in his contributions to the sport of track cycling. He is remembered as a dedicated athlete who was passionate about his sport and worked hard to achieve success.
His achievements will be remembered for generations to come, as a reminder of the determination and dedication it takes to reach the pinnacle of success.
34. Jan Raas
Jan Raas is a Dutch former professional cyclist who is widely regarded as one of the greats in his sport. During his competitive career, Raas won 115 races, making him one of the most successful cyclists in history.
His most impressive victory was in the 1979 World Road Race Championship in Valkenburg, a feat he would never repeat. Raas also won the Tour of Flanders in 1979 and 1983, Paris–Roubaix in 1982 and Milan–San Remo in 1977.
He also took ten stages in the Tour de France, becoming one of the few to win at least one stage in each of the Grand Tours. Raas was known for his aggressive, attacking style on the bike, and his ability to win from a breakaway.
He was also a very smart tactician and was often able to outsmart his rivals. Jan Raas is remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, and his legacy continues to live on.
35. Peter Post
Peter Post was a Dutch professional cyclist who had an impressive career spanning from 1956 to 1972. He was a master of both road and track racing, but his greatest success was achieved in the Six-day races.
During his career, Post participated in a total of 155 such races and managed to win 65 of them. Such was his prowess in the sport that he was often referred to as “De Keizer van de Zesdaagse” or “The Emperor of the Six Days”.
Post’s impressive feats on the track made him a legendary cyclist of his time and earned him the title of one of the all-time greats of the sport.
36. Nico Verhoeven
Nicolaas Cornelis Maria Verhoeven is a former road bicycle racer from the Netherlands who had a successful career as a professional rider from 1985 to 1995.
During his time as an active cyclist, he was able to take part in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, competing in the individual road race. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the race and retired soon after.
Nicolaas Verhoeven was born and raised in the Netherlands and was known for his strong will and determination to achieve his goals. He trained diligently throughout his cycling career, and his hard work and dedication paid off as he was able to compete in the Olympics.
Despite not finishing the race, his experience at the Olympics was an incredible feat for him and his country. Verhoeven retired from professional cycling in 1995, but his legacy lives on in the Netherlands.
He has inspired many young Dutch cyclists to take up the sport, and his name is still known across the country. He is a true example of what hard work and dedication can bring, and his story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring cyclists.
37. Tom Cordes
Thomas Matthijs Adrianus Cordes is a retired Dutch cyclist who had a successful career on the world stage. He represented the Netherlands at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, where he participated in the individual road race and 100 km team time trial.
In the individual race, he placed 42nd out of over 100 competitors, while in the team time trial, he placed 11th with his Dutch teammates. During his cycling career, Cordes achieved two world titles, one in the road race and the other in the team time trial.
This is a remarkable accomplishment for a Dutch cyclist, considering the nation’s relatively small size. Cordes’ success is an example of his dedication and hard work and has served as an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists in the Netherlands.
38. Maarten Ducrot
Maarten Ducrot is an experienced cyclist who had a successful career as a professional road bicycle racer.
He represented the Netherlands in a number of races and achieved a number of impressive results, including a track cycling world championship and a number of national titles.
After retiring from competitive cycling, Ducrot has gone on to explore other opportunities in the cycling world. He now works as a cycling reporter for Dutch television, bringing his knowledge and experience to viewers all over the Netherlands.
Ducrot is a respected figure in the cycling world, often sought out for his insight and opinion on the sport. His current role as cycling reporter gives him the opportunity to share his passion for the sport with a wider audience and to promote cycling in his home country.
39. Hans Daams
Johannes Wilhelmus Antonius Daams is a retired road bicycle racer from the Netherlands. He was a professional cyclist from 1985 to 1989 and competed on an international level.
He was selected to represent his native country at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Daams was entered into the individual road race event, but unfortunately, he did not finish the race. Despite this, Daams had a successful career as a professional cyclist.
He won numerous events and medals during his time on the professional circuit, showing his strength as a cyclist.
After retiring from cycling, Daams has become involved in various coaching roles in the cycling world, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of riders.
40. Twan Poels
Antonius Johannes Petrus Poels is a retired Dutch professional cyclist who had a long and successful career. Poels began his career as an amateur cyclist, participating in the 1984 Summer Olympics as a member of the Dutch team in the road race.
Unfortunately, he did not finish the race. In 1985, Poels made the transition to professional cycling and joined the Kwantum–Decosol–Yoko team. As a professional cyclist, Poels enjoyed considerable success and remained with the team until 1992 when he retired from the sport.
Throughout his racing career, Poels won numerous races and earned numerous accolades for his skill and dedication to the sport.
Despite his retirement from professional cycling, Poels still remains involved with the sport and is considered to be a respected figure in the Dutch cycling community.
He is a role model for many aspiring cyclists and serves as an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
41. Gerrit de Vries
Gerrit de Vries is a retired Dutch road racing cyclist who was a professional rider from 1989 to 1997. Before he turned professional, he achieved great success as an amateur cyclist.
In 1986, he won the world title in the 100 km team time trial alongside Rob Harmeling, Tom Cordes and John Talen.
This was a major achievement for Gerrit, and he achieved even more success four years later when his team finished in 11th place in the same event at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Gerrit de Vries has certainly left a lasting impression in the world of cycling and will always be remembered for his impressive performances throughout his career.
42. Peter Pieters
Peter Pieters is a retired Dutch cyclist who had a successful career spanning from 1980 to 1998. During his time as a cyclist, he competed in various events, including the 1996 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, Peter competed in both the individual 4 km pursuit and points race.
He was also a world champion in the points race, winning the bronze medal at the 1991 World Championships. Throughout his career, Peter was a formidable competitor who was able to achieve great success on the track.
He was a dedicated and determined cyclist who put his all into every race, ultimately resulting in his impressive medal haul. After a successful career, Peter retired from professional cycling in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication to the sport.
43. Leontien van Moorsel
Leontien Martha Henrica Petronella Zijlaard-van Moorsel is a legendary Dutch retired racing cyclist. She was a dominant athlete in the cycling world in the 1990s and early 2000s, with an impressive record of accomplishments.
Throughout her career, she won four gold medals at the Olympic Games and held the hour record for women from 2003 until 2015. Throughout her career, Zijlaard-van Moorsel was a world-renowned cyclist, winning many international competitions.
She won the World Road Race Championships in 1993 and the World Time Trial Championships in 1998 and 2000.
In addition, she had numerous victories in the Giro d’Italia Femminile and the Tour de France Feminin. At the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, she won the gold medal in the individual road race, the gold medal in the individual time trial, and the silver medal in the points race.
She also won the gold medal in the individual time trial at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. This made her the most successful female Dutch cyclist in Olympic history.In 2003, she set a new women’s hour record, which she held until 2015.
This record was a sign of her extraordinary endurance and strength as an athlete. Leontien Martha Henrica Petronella Zijlaard-van Moorsel was one of the most successful female Dutch cyclists of all time.
She will always be remembered for her impressive Olympic accomplishments, as well as her world-record-holding hour record.
44. Marco van der Hulst
Marco van der Hulst is a Dutch cyclist who has competed in the Olympics. He competed in the men’s team pursuit event at the 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California.
The men’s team pursuit is a cycling event in which teams of four cyclists compete against each other by completing laps around an oval track. Each team is timed and the team with the fastest time wins. Van der Hulst and his team completed the race in tenth place.
This result placed them outside of the medals, but it is still an impressive feat to have competed at the highest level of Olympic competition. Van der Hulst’s performance was a testament to the hard work and dedication he had put in to become an Olympic athlete.
He is an inspiration to cyclists everywhere and his legacy will continue to live on.
45. Patrick Tolhoek
Patrick Tolhoek is a well-known retired Dutch professional cyclist. Born in 1992, he began his professional cycling career in 2014 with the Rabobank Continental Team.
During his time as a professional cyclist, he achieved a number of impressive results, including winning the Tour of Qinghai Lake in 2017.
In 2018, he won the Dutch National Road Race Championship and was the young rider classification winner of the Vuelta a Burgos. Throughout his career, Patrick Tolhoek has represented a number of professional cycling teams, including LottoNL-Jumbo, Roompot-Charles, and Team Jumbo-Visma.
He has also competed in a number of prestigious races, such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España.In 2019, Tolhoek announced his retirement from professional cycling.
Since then, he has been actively involved in the cycling community, both as an ambassador for the LottoNL-Jumbo team and as a coach for the Dutch National Cycling Team.
He is also a regular commentator on Dutch television, covering the Tour de France and other major cycling events. Overall, Patrick Tolhoek has had an amazing career in professional cycling. He has achieved numerous successes and has become an icon in the Dutch cycling community.
He will continue to be an inspiration for the next generation of professional cyclists.
46. Rob Harmeling
Rob Harmeling is a former Dutch professional road bicycle racer who had a successful career in the sport. He is most known for competing in the Tour de France, an annual multiple-stage bicycle race that crosses France, three times.
In 1991, he was the last cyclist to complete the race, which is known as the lanterne rouge, and in 1992 he won a stage of the race. In 1994, however, he was disqualified after being caught hanging onto the team car, thereby obtaining an illegal advantage.
Despite this incident, Harmeling remains an iconic figure in Dutch cycling and a respected former professional racer.
47. Koos Moerenhout
Jacobus Moerenhout is a well-known Dutch former professional road bicycle racer. In 2018, he was appointed as the Dutch national coach by the Royal Dutch Cycling Union. During his tenure as a coach, the Netherlands won the World Championship in 2023 in Glasgow.
This remarkable achievement was largely credited to Mathieu van der Poel, who was the star performer for the Netherlands during the tournament. The victory was a testament to the coaching skills of Moerenhout and his ability to bring out the best in his players.
Moerenhout’s success as a coach has earned him accolades from the cycling community and the Royal Dutch Cycling Union.
48. Laurens ten Dam
Laurens ten Dam is a well-known Dutch cycling athlete. He started out as a road racing cyclist in 2003 with the Rabobank GS3 team and later moved to the BankGiroLoterij, Unibet.com, LottoNL–Jumbo, Team Sunweb, and CCC Team squads.
He competed professionally in road cycling up until 2019 when he announced his retirement. Since then, he has moved into gravel racing, a new form of off-road cycling that has been growing in popularity. He is now an avid gravel racer, taking part in events all over the world.
Ten Dam is highly respected in the cycling world, and his career highlights and achievements make him an icon in the cycling community.
49. Stef Clement
Stef Clement is a former professional cyclist from the Netherlands. He had a very successful career which spanned from 2003 to 2018 and he competed for five different cycling teams during this time.
These teams were the Van Hemert Groep CT, Rabobank Continental Team, Bouygues Télécom, IAM Cycling and LottoNL–Jumbo. Clement was known for his prowess in the time trial discipline, which is a type of bicycle racing where individual cyclists race against the clock instead of competing against other cyclists.
He was an incredibly accomplished athlete in this discipline and was crowned the Dutch National Time Trial Champion on four separate occasions. This is a very impressive achievement and it cemented Clement’s place as one of the premier time trial cyclists in the Netherlands.
Clement’s career was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He was able to achieve success with five different teams and was able to win the Dutch National Time Trial Championship four times.
This is a remarkable accomplishment and it speaks volumes to the level of skill and determination that Clement possessed.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has an incredibly rich history of cycling, and the cycling players from this part of the world have consistently been among the best in the world. From Marianne Vos to Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch have produced some of the greatest riders in the sport.
The Netherlands is a great place for cycling and the Dutch cyclists have proven to be some of the best in the world. With many talented riders coming out of the Netherlands, the future of cycling in the country looks bright.
