THE HAGUE (AFP) - The Netherlands 1978 world cycling road race champion Gerrie Knetemann died of a heart attack aged 53, the Dutch Cycling Federation (KNWU) announced.
According to the federation he died while out riding a bike with three friends at his birthplace of Bergen in the north west of the Netherlands.
Knetemann's career spanned 15 years (1974-89) which saw him win 10 stages in the Tour de France and he was regarded as one of the finest classics riders in the world, winning the Amstel Gold Race twice and the Paris Nice once.
Knetemann, who leaves a wife and two children, recorded 130 victories in all and after his retirement became the selector for the Dutch cycling team, a post he still held.
"He was an outstanding athlete and an example to everyone," said Joop Atsma, president of KNWU.
Top Dutch cyclist Michael Boogerd couldn't believe that Knetemann had died.
"It is a huge shock. 53 years of age is too young to die," he said.
11/02/2004 - 20:32 GMT - AFP