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Frans Verbeeck, Belgian cycling legend and Vermarc founder, dies at 85
Belgian cycling legend Frans Verbeeck has died at the age of 85. A former Belgian road race champion, Verbeeck was a prominent figure in professional cycling during the 1960s and 1970s, known as a rival to Eddy Merckx.
His competitive achievements include victories in the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, Omloop het Volk, and the E3 Prize. Verbeeck is also remembered for his resilience; after a difficult period in 1966 that saw him briefly retire to work a milk round to support his family, he returned to the sport in 1968, earning the nickname ‘The Flying Milkman’.
Following his professional racing career, Verbeeck established a significant business legacy by founding the sports apparel company Vermarc Sport, which grew into one of the country’s major manufacturers of cycling clothing. His death was confirmed by the family business.
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- [● 3 SOURCES] Frans Verbeeck was 85 years old at the time of his death. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com · www.robtv.be
- [● 2 SOURCES] Verbeeck earned the nickname ‘The Flying Milkman’ after working a milk round to support his family during a hiatus from racing. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Vermarc Sport confirmed the death of its founder, Frans Verbeeck. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Verbeeck won the Amstel Gold Race. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com · www.robtv.be
- [● 2 SOURCES] Verbeeck won La Flèche Wallonne. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Verbeeck was a former Belgian road race champion. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com · www.robtv.be
- [● 3 SOURCES] Verbeeck founded the cycling clothing brand Vermarc Sport. wielrennenuptodate.nl · cyclinguptodate.com · www.robtv.be