Rick Van Looyone of the greatest cyclists in history, has died at the age of 90. Known as “The Emperor of Herentals” due to his Flemish origin and role dominant in the group, Van Looy left his mark indelible in the world of Cycling, both on road and track. Professional since 1954 al 1970dominated road racing for over a decade, until the advent of Eddy Merckxconsidered the greatest Belgian champion.
Van Looy, who began cycling at the age of 12 delivering newspapers, was the first rider to win all five classical monumenta feat later matched only by Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck. Among his most prestigious victories are three Parigi-Roubaixa Milan-Sanremotwo Tours of Flanders, one Tour of Lombardy and one Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Furthermore, Van Looy won two road world titles, in 1960 and in 1961.
The news of his passing, which occurred in his Herentals after a short illness, was reported by the Belgian media. Van Looy was also very attached to the Marche, where he triumphed in Castelfidardo In the Tour of Italy of the Centenary of the Unification of Italy, on 2 June 1961, in a stage starting from Mentana. His career, full of successes, has it reso an iconic figure in the international cycling scene.
Rik Van Looy, nicknamed “The Emperor” for his charisma and ability to impose himself in one-day races, has left a deep void in the hearts of cycling enthusiasts.
