In Memoriam: Erik de Vlaeminck

Sad news today that Erik de Vlaeminck, older brother to Flemish Cycling legend Roger de Vlaeminck, passed away today at the age of 70. He was a dominant Cyclocrosser winning a whopping seven World Championships, six of which were back to back from 68-73. He was apparently suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

I don’t know much about him, but the world feels a softer place with one less De Vlaeminck in it. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends.

May you rest in peace.

Photo caption borrowed from the now-defunct BRR.

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23 Replies to “In Memoriam: Erik de Vlaeminck”

  1. “Look here, Erik. We warned you. We told you to stop being so fucking tough, but you wouldn’t listen. Now we’re going to have to take you with us until you can learn to chill out a bit.”

    Sad news. I really, really hope when I go it’s fast and painless. Any sort of neurological affliction sounds terrible. A slow decline must be even worse for us sporting folks, deprive of their once active bodies.

    RIP, Erik.

  2. Respect.  I’ve just recently been reading a longish article about them both.

  3. That last photo: is he jumping over or riding through that barrier?

    No wonder Roger was such a badass, with Erik for an older brother. Rest in peace.

  4. Simply the greatest ever X rider and a great bloke too..  full of fun and an awesome bike handler – there are so many tales of Erik ,some true some who knows whether true or not…Was a pleasure to race against him RIP Championi !!!

  5. @barry davies

    Simply the greatest ever X rider and a great bloke too..  full of fun and an awesome bike handler – there are so many tales of Erik ,some true some who knows whether true or not…Was a pleasure to race against him RIP Championi !!!

    Barry Davies! 
    Barry Davies

  6. A Hero. Thanks for taking the lead as this is reported nowhere else.

  7. So Barry is so good he can race cross with his eyes closed? That is awesome!

  8. @Oli

    @Joe Cline

    Not trying to take anything away from Frank’s kind thoughts, but I saw it headlined on cyclocosm and cyclingnews.com many hours before it was up here.

    Yeah but you’re in New Zealand so your internet would’ve got it hours ahead of theirs…

  9. @Ron

    So Barry is so good he can race cross with his eyes closed? That is awesome!

    @frank

    @Joe Cline Thanks for the kind sentiment, but to @Oli‘s point, I think I found out from Velonews, so that’s at least three sources that talked about it before we did.

    @barry davies

    LEGEND.

    I think Wiggy stole Barry’s beard.

  10. @frank

    Calvin and Hobbes !!! Love ’em! I recall Calvin never had much luck with the bike

    and his old man was gonna ride come hell or high water

    Cheers

  11. @wilburrox

    @frank

    Calvin and Hobbes !!! Love ’em! I recall Calvin never had much luck with the bike

    Cheers

    Seconded – by another big C&H fan here. One of the best comic strips – evvur.

  12. Loved C&H. I think his Dad was a Velominatus. Riding in the snow? Rule #5. Not acknowledging the season’s over? Truly a Velominatus. I recall one strip where Calvin’s Mom asked his Dad to do the chores. He ended up cleaning his bike saying something to the effect of he WAS doing his chores.

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