| Name | Joop Zoetemelk |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | The Hague, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.80m |
| Weight | 73kg |
| Cycling Discipline | Road cycling |
| Professional Career | 1970-1987 |
| Teams | Flandria, Kwantum Hallen, TI-Raleigh, Skil-Sem, Panasonic |
| Major Achievements | 1980 Tour de France winner, 1979, 1982, and 1985 Tour de France runner-up, 1975 World Road Race Champion |
Dutch former was born in The Hague, Netherlands, on December 3, 1946. In 1970, Zoetemelk started a professional cycling career. Over his career, he rode for a number of teams, including Flandria, Kwantum Hallen, TI-Raleigh, Skil-Sem, and Panasonic.
For his dependable performance in the Tour de France, Zoetemelk is well-known. With the exception of his first try in 1970, he participated in the race 16 times and finished each time. After coming in second place in the Tour de France in 1979, 1982, and 1985, Zoetemelk won his best triumph in 1980. He is one of only six cyclists in history to have placed third or higher at least six times in the Tour de France.
In addition to winning the 1975 World Road Race Championship and placing third in a number of other important competitions, like as the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a Espaa, and Paris-Nice, Zoetemelk also achieved success in the Tour de France.
Zoetemelk was renowned for his somber and subdued nature off the bike. He was also a devoted husband and father who frequently brought his wife and kids along on his outings to the races.
The following table lists the greatest accomplishments of Joop Zoetemelk:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1975 | World Road Race Champion |
| 1979 | Tour de France Runner-up |
| 1980 | Tour de France Winner |
| 1982 | Tour de France Runner-up |
| 1983 | Vuelta a España Winner |
| 1985 | Tour de France Runner-up |
| 1987 | Amstel Gold Race Winner |
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