Roger De Vlaeminck is a Belgian former professional racing cyclist. He was described by Rik Van Looy as "The most talented and the only real classics rider of his generation". Nicknamed "The Gypsy" because he was born into a family of traveling clothiers, he is known for exploits in the cobbled classic Paris–Roubaix race, but his performances in other "Monument" races gave him a record that few can match. His record in Paris–Roubaix earned him another nickname, "Monsieur Paris–Roubaix".
De Vlaeminck in 1972
De Vlaeminck attempting to defend his Tour of Flanders title in 1978
De Vlaeminck (left) with former professional cyclists Etienne De Wilde and Lucien Van Impe at a criterium in Aalst, Belgium in 2008
Henri "Rik" Van Looy is a Belgian former professional cyclist of the post-war period. Nicknamed the King of the Classics or Emperor of Herentals, he dominated the classic cycle races in the late 1950s and first half of the ‘60s.
Van Looy after winning a 1956 Tour of the Netherlands stage
Van Looy talking with Jacques Anquetil in the 1964 Tour de France
Rik Van Looy wearing the Giro di Sardegna winner's jersey in 1965
Van Looy, Beheyt and De Roo on the stage of a controversial 1963 World Championship
