ANPJos Lammertink in 1986 after winning the Tour of Kortenhoef
NOS Wielrennen•gisteren, 21:29
Former cyclist Jos Lammertink has died at the age of 66. The ‘Giant of Wierden’ suffered from a rare progressive muscle disease.
“He suffered a lot during his career, but that did not outweigh the misery that came after his career,” friend and former teammate Henk Lubberding told NOS about the man who was “reliable and always self-effacing.”
Master servant
Lammertink was active as a professional cyclist from 1980 to 1989 and rode for Panasonic and TVM, among others. He was the master servant of Eric Vanderaerden and Eddy Planckaert, but also won 38 matches himself. For example, he was twice the best in a stage in the Tour of Spain and he won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. In 1986 Lammertink became Dutch road champion.
Among the amateurs, Lammertink became Dutch champion in the field, on the track and on the road.
He never complained. He was always combative. After and during his career.
Henk Lubberding about Jos Lammertink
“We had a click,” says Lubberding, who was visiting Lammertink’s sick yesterday. “Despite all the trouble, he always tried to stay positive.”
A few weeks ago a biography about Lammertink was published. In it he revealed that he was sexually abused by his coach in his younger years. “No one knew anything about that, he hid this from everyone. When he told it, a weight was lifted from his shoulders.”
According to Lubberding, the abuse meant that he was never smiling on stage at the beginning of his career. He was still working with the coach in question at the time.
‘He never complained’
“Admirable,” says Lubberding about the way Lammertink went through life. “He never complained. He was always combative. After and during his career.”
Lubberding refers, among other things, to Lammertink’s serious thyroid problems (because glandular fever was diagnosed too late) and a serious crash in the 1986 Tour de France.
His friend suspects that all the suffering has had an impact on Lammertink’s physical condition. “That couldn’t have been good for him.”
Remembering Jos Lammertink: A True Giant of Wierden
Sad news in the world of cycling: Jos Lammertink, fondly known as the “Giant of Wierden,” has passed away at the age of 66. Now, I don’t want to get too sentimental here, but let’s face it, the cycling world just lost one of its most understated champions.
From Pedals to Pain
Anyone who’s ever hopped on a bicycle knows it’s not just about the legs. It’s about heart, grit, and sometimes a bit of luck—two flat tires and a cat that thinks it can outrun you during your Sunday ride! But Lammertink took on the bike world with a grit that was nothing short of remarkable. He kicked off his professional career in 1980 and cycled his way into the record books until 1989, tackling formidable opponents while serving as a loyal teammate to stars like Eric Vanderaerden and Eddy Planckaert.
But hey, this isn’t just a ‘let’s reminisce about wins’ article. Even champions struggle—and Lammertink wasn’t afraid to face the demons of his past. His profound resilience shone through even as he battled a rare progressive muscle disease that later overshadowed his achievements like a grey cloud in a Dutch sky.
“He Never Complained”
“He never complained. He was always combative. After and during his career.” – Henk Lubberding
Now that’s a statement. Complaining seems to be a national pastime, and here’s Lammertink—a true anomaly. His friend and former teammate, Henk Lubberding, paints a portrait of a man who faced life’s curveballs with that relentless Dutch spirit. But let’s not gloss over the fact that life threw him some serious curveballs—including health complications and a horrific crash in the 1986 Tour de France.
A Life of Triumph and Turmoil
Let’s get to the real kicker of Lammertink’s story—his career wasn’t all about medals and racing glory. The day-to-day struggle of life took a toll, notably when Lammertink courageously opened up about experiencing sexual abuse by his coach. In a world where so many carry such burdens silently, he deserves a round of applause for finally sharing his story. It’s like carrying an elephant on a bicycle; sooner or later, something’s gotta give!
Finally revealing it was like a weight lifted from his shoulders. Who knew a cycling biography could be so full of uphill battles? It’s remarkable how someone can transform pain into purpose, reminding us that true strength often lies beneath the surface.
Legacy of a Champion
With a staggering 38 wins under his belt, including two stages in the Tour of Spain and the Dutch road championship in ’86, Jos Lammertink’s legacy extends far beyond his cycling accomplishments. It’s about showing us that the road may be bumpy, but with determination, you can still cross the finish line—perhaps with a smile, perhaps with an exasperated sigh!
So here’s to Jos Lammertink: a man who rode through life with unmatched spirit. From championships to adversity, he demonstrated that even a ‘Giant’ can face trials with incredible grace. May his memory inspire many—to chase not just trophies, but also resilience through life’s chaotic races. And if you feel a nudge of motivation while cycling, it might just be him cheering you on from the other side!
NOS Wielrennen•gisteren, 21:29
Jos Lammertink, the celebrated former cyclist known as the ‘Giant of Wierden’, has passed away at the age of 66, after battling a rare progressive muscle disease that significantly affected his later years.
“He suffered a lot during his career, but that did not outweigh the misery that came after his career,” reminisced his friend and former teammate Henk Lubberding, reflecting on Lammertink’s resilience, describing him as a man who was “reliable and self-effacing.”
Lammertink’s professional cycling journey spanned from 1980 to 1989, during which he represented esteemed teams such as Panasonic and TVM. Renowned for his unwavering dedication, he served as a crucial ‘domestique’ for stars like Eric Vanderaerden and Eddy Planckaert, while also racking up an impressive 38 victories throughout his career. Among his notable achievements, he triumphed in two stages of the Tour of Spain and secured victory in the renowned Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Furthermore, Lammertink made his mark in 1986 when he claimed the title of Dutch road champion.
Among the amateurs, Lammertink became Dutch champion in the field, on the track, and on the road.
He never complained. He was always combative. After and during his career.
Henk Lubberding about Jos Lammertink
“We had a click,” said Lubberding, reflecting on their friendship, which remained strong even during Lammertink’s illness. “Despite all the trouble, he always tried to stay positive.”
A few weeks prior to his passing, a biography detailing Lammertink’s life experiences was published, revealing the harrowing truth of sexual abuse he endured at the hands of his coach in his formative years. “No one knew anything about that; he hid this from every single person. When he finally spoke about it, a weight was lifted from his shoulders.”
According to Lubberding, these traumatic experiences cast a shadow over Lammertink’s early career, leaving him noticeably somber during his early days in the sport, particularly since he was still under the tutelage of the abusive coach at that time.
“Admirable,” comments Lubberding, praising Lammertink’s spirited approach to life. “He never complained. He was always combative. After and during his career.”
Lubberding pointed out Lammertink’s significant health challenges, including serious thyroid problems caused by a delayed diagnosis of glandular fever and a severe crash during the 1986 Tour de France.
His friend expressed concern that the myriad of sufferings faced throughout Lammertink’s life may have severely impacted his overall physical well-being. “That couldn’t have been good for him.”
What were the key struggles Jos Lammertink faced during and after his cycling career?
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“He never complained. He was always combative. After and during his career.” – Henk Lubberding
Lubberding shared, highlighting Lammertink’s strength of character. “Despite the struggles he faced, he always tried to stay positive.” Just weeks before his passing, Lammertink published a biography that revealed his past trauma—he had been sexually abused by his coach in his younger years. Lubberding mentioned that Lammertink kept this pain hidden for a long time, implying it stifled his ability to fully embrace his early career.
In addition to personal battles, Lammertink dealt with serious health conditions, including thyroid issues stemming from a late diagnosis of glandular fever, and suffered a major crash during the 1986 Tour de France. His friend suspects these experiences contributed to his declining health in later years.
The Ripple Effect of Resilience
Jos Lammertink’s journey exemplifies that every victory comes with sacrifice and struggle. His ability to maintain a tough exterior while confronting his internal challenges is a testament to his resilience.
As we remember the ‘Giant of Wierden,’ we reflect on his legacy—a story of triumph over adversity that inspires each of us to find strength in our personal battles. Lammertink’s life nudges us to be not just champions on the roads and tracks but also in our everyday lives as we face our challenges head-on.
Rest in peace, Jos Lammertink. Your courage will continue to inspire generations to come.
