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Hendrik Gerardus Joseph "Joop" Zoetemelk (born 3 December 1946) is a Dutch former professional racing cyclist. He participated in the Tour de France 16 times, setting records for both starts and finishes upon his retirement. He also holds the distance record in Tour de France history, having ridden a total of 62,885 km. Zoetemelk won the Vuelta a España in 1979 and the Tour de France in 1980.

In addition to his Tour de France victory, he finished in 2nd place six times, 4th place three times, and had an 8th and 5th place finish, resulting in a total of eleven top 5 finishes—a record. He was the first rider to wear the polka dot jersey as the King of the Mountains in the Tour, although he never won this classification there. However, he did win it in the 1971 Vuelta a España and was regarded as one of the best climbers of his era.

Had it not been for a ten-minute time penalty for a doping infraction in 1977, Zoetemelk would have finished in the top 5 in each of the first 12 Tours he entered.

At the age of 38, he won the World Professional Road Championship in 1985, executing a late attack that surprised favorites like LeMond, Roche, Argentin, and Millar. Over his career, he competed in 16 World Championships, a significant achievement considering that many riders typically abandon the event. In addition to his victory, he finished in the top 10 seven times. As of 2020, he is the oldest men's individual road race world champion.

While his record of Tour de France starts was later matched by George Hincapie, who was disqualified from three Tours for doping offenses, thus returning the record to Zoetemelk. No one matched Zoetemelk's sixteen finishes until Sylvain Chavanel did so in the 2018 Tour. As of now, several riders have more than 16 starts in the Tour de France, but none have surpassed the record of finishing it 16 times. After retiring, Zoetemelk moved on to run a hotel in Meaux, France.

Joop Zoetemelk, born Hendrik Gerardus Joseph Zoetemelk on December 3, 1946, in The Hague, Netherlands, emerged as one of cycling's most enduring figures, renowned for his consistency, resilience, and remarkable longevity in the sport. Raised in a modest working-class family, Zoetemelk's early years were shaped by the aftermath of World War II, a period marked by economic recovery and rebuilding across Europe.

From a young age, Zoetemelk showed a keen interest in cycling, inspired by local races and the growing popularity of the sport in post-war Netherlands. His determination and natural talent quickly became evident, leading him to pursue competitive cycling as a teenager despite initial skepticism from his family about the feasibility of such a career path.

Zoetemelk's early education was typical for the time, focusing on basic academic subjects alongside vocational training options. However, his passion for cycling soon took precedence, leading him to join local cycling clubs and participate in amateur races across the country. His dedication and promising performances in these early races caught the attention of talent scouts and cycling enthusiasts, paving the way for his eventual transition to professional racing.

Joop Zoetemelk's professional cycling career spanned over two decades, characterized by an impressive array of victories, near misses, and enduring resilience in the face of adversity. His debut as a professional cyclist in the late 1960s marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of the most respected names in the sport.

Zoetemelk's breakthrough came in 1969 when he secured his first major victory at the Tour de France, demonstrating his climbing prowess and ability to endure the grueling demands of the prestigious race. This triumph catapulted him into the international spotlight, setting the stage for a series of remarkable achievements throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Throughout his career, Zoetemelk's versatility as a cyclist was a defining characteristic, enabling him to excel in a variety of race formats and terrains. From classic one-day races to multi-stage tours, he consistently showcased his ability to adapt to different challenges and maintain competitive form over extended periods. His enduring rivalry with fellow cyclists added an extra dimension to his career, fueling intense competition and captivating audiences worldwide.

Notably, Zoetemelk's resilience was perhaps best exemplified by his tenacity in overcoming setbacks and injuries, often returning stronger and more determined following periods of adversity. His ability to bounce back from setbacks earned him the admiration of fans and fellow cyclists alike, solidifying his reputation as a true champion of the sport.

Joop Zoetemelk's legacy in cycling remains indelible, shaped by his numerous achievements, unwavering commitment to excellence, and enduring influence on future generations of cyclists. Beyond his impressive record of victories, his career serves as a testament to the virtues of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to one's craft.

As a role model and mentor, Zoetemelk continues to inspire aspiring cyclists around the world, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness in the face of adversity. His emphasis on discipline and hard work resonates deeply with cyclists of all levels, reinforcing the importance of mental fortitude and physical resilience in achieving success in competitive sports.

Looking ahead, Zoetemelk's impact on cycling is likely to endure for generations to come, with his name enshrined in the annals of the sport's history. His achievements continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence, setting a high standard for future cyclists to emulate and surpass. Whether through his competitive feats, sportsmanship, or enduring legacy, Joop Zoetemelk remains a revered figure in the world of cycling, celebrated for his contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy of excellence.

In conclusion, Joop Zoetemelk's journey from humble beginnings to cycling greatness is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and unwavering determination. His career trajectory exemplifies the transformative impact of sports on individuals and communities alike, highlighting the enduring legacy of a true cycling legend.

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4. "1979 Vuelta a España Final GC". procyclingstats.com. 6 May 2021.
5. "1985 UCI World Championship Road Race". Bikeraceinfo.com. 17 October 2020.