(1946– )
One of the few Dutch cyclists who have won the Tour de France. As an amateur, Zoetemelk won a gold medal at the Olympic Games of 1968. After turning professional in 1970, he won many other races, including the Vuelta a Espana in 1979, before winning the Tour de France in 1980, a race he has cycled in 16 times (also taking second place six times). His last great successes were the world championship on the road in 1985 and the Amstel Gold race in 1987.
Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands. EdwART. 2012.