| Born | April 12, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Nevele, Belgium |
| Died | May 19, 2013 |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Sport | Road bicycle racing |
| Professional career | 1966-1982 |
Willy Planckaert was born in Nevele, Belgium, on April 12, 1946. He was a Belgian road bicycle racer. His professional career began in 1966, and he retired in 1982.
Planckaert was a versatile cyclist who was successful in both one-day and stage races. On many occasions, he placed in the top ten of the Tour de France. His victories include the Omloop Het Volk and the Amstel Gold Race.
One of the most notable moments in Planckaert’s career occurred in 1976, when he won the Paris-Roubaix following a solo breakout in the final kilometers. In addition, he won the Points classification in the 1973 Tour de France and placed third in the 1978 Giro d’Italia.
Planckaert was born into a cycling family; his brothers Walter and Eddy were all prominent riders. His rough and aggressive riding style, as well as his ability to endure on the bike, earned him a reputation.
After retiring from racing, Planckaert continued to be involved in the sport as a team director and as a commentator for Belgian television. On May 19, 2013, he passed away at the age of 67.
Willy Planckaert’s Greatest Achievements:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1972 | 1st in Omloop Het Volk |
| 1973 | Points classification winner in Tour de France |
| 1976 | 1st in Paris-Roubaix |
| 1976 | 1st in Amstel Gold Race |
| 1978 | 3rd overall in Giro d’Italia |
| 1980 | 1st in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne |
| 1980 | 1st in Dwars door Vlaanderen |
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