Bicycle Racing News and Opinion
Sunday, December 7, 2014

Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories

Jan Janssen Has Cancer

Jan Janssen was the first Dutchman to win the Tour when he beat Herman van Springel by just 38 seconds in 1968. Sadly, the 74-year old Mr.Janssen has been diagnosed with cancer and is in the hospital undergoing treatment. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Jan Janssen (wearing sunglasses) racing in 1968

Jan Janssen's interview with BikeRaceInfo

Janssen won more than just the Tour de France. He was a complete rider. Here is a short list of most prestigious wins:

• Tour de France: General Classification 1968, Points 1964, 1965, 1967, 7 stage wins
• Vuelta a España: 1967 General Classification, Points 1967, 1968, 3 stage wins
• Paris-Nice 1964
• Tour of the Netherlands 1965
• World Road Championship 1964
• Bordeaux-Paris 1966
• Paris-Roubaix 1967
• Züri-Metzgete 1962

Jan Jannsen in 1972 at his retirement ceremony with wife and daughter.

Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories