In Memoriam: Erik de Vlaeminck

ERIK V IS ESCORTED AWAY BY THE TOUGHNESS POLICE. FOR BEING JUST TOO FUCKING FLANDRIAN.

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.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

Ron says:

Dec 4 2015 at 11:02 am

"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.
Teocalli says:

Dec 4 2015 at 11:11 am

Respect. I've just recently been reading a longish article about them both.
Bill says:

Dec 4 2015 at 11:23 am

Ghost ride on spinning on the steepest climb.
DeKerr says:

Dec 4 2015 at 11:40 am

He goes where, eventually, we all must follow.

May he ride on Mount Velomis and through the ever after in good company.
Velodeluded says:

Dec 4 2015 at 1:39 pm

The don't make men much harder than this.

RIP Erik
Ccos says:

Dec 4 2015 at 1:41 pm

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.
barry davies says:

Dec 4 2015 at 2:28 pm

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 !!!
brett says:

Dec 4 2015 at 2:47 pm

The blueprint for Sven Nys. RIP Erik.
brett says:

Dec 4 2015 at 2:56 pm

@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!
Joe Cline says:

Dec 4 2015 at 6:43 pm

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