The illustrious cycling career of Jo de Roo

15 March 2024 By Vera Klap History

Born on March 23rd, 1937, in the Zeeland village of Schore, De Roo would become one of the most versatile and respected cyclists of his generation. His cycling career, marked by triumphs and victories, left a lasting impression on the sport.

Early years and rise

De Roo's love of cycling began in his youth, where he quickly gained notoriety in local races. At the age of seventeen, he rode his first race in the amateurs. During the 1957 Olympia's Tour, Jo de Roo won the second stage from Steenwijk to Eindhoven. At that time he was affiliated with the 'Theo Middelkamp' team. He also won the Omloop der Kempen that year. His determination and perseverance stood out, and in 1958 he switched to the pros in the Magnet-Vredestein team. It was clear that he was born to ride and to win.

Tour de France 1964, Ab Geldermans, Jacques Anquetil en Jo de Roo
Tour de France 1964, Ab Geldermans, Jacques Anquetil and Jo de Roo

Triumphs in cycling

Jo de Roo's talent really surfaced in 1962, when his victories included Paris-Tours, the Tour of Lombardy and Bordeaux-Paris. He then rode for St. Raphael. The Tour of Lombardy victory was not thrown in his lap. De Roo crashed no less than four times, however this did not deter him. He caught up with the leading group and eventually won the sprint from Livio Trappe, making him the first Dutchman to succeed in winning the unofficial world championship on points. Jo de Roo did not compete in the official world championship due to problems with the Dutch federation over costs

Jo de Roo winnaar Bordeaux-Parijs 1962

Jo de Roo winner Bordeaux-Paris 1962

In 1963 de Roo again came on strong for the St. Raphael team. He won the Paris-Tours and the Tour of Lombardy. The following year he managed to become Dutch champion. Jo de Roo also started the Tour de France again, previously it was not his cup of tea but in 1964 he managed to finish it and won the twelfth stage Montpellier - Perpignan.

Prins Bernhard en Jo de Roo 1965

Prince Bernhard and Jo de Roo 1965

In the following years he won more stages in the Tour de France and the Dutch championships, among others. In 1965, Jo de Roo escaped from the peloton and managed to win the Tour of Flanders, a prominent victory of his career. Jo de Roo demonstrated his versatility as a rider. His ability to excel in both one-day classics and stage races made him a formidable opponent for any competitor.

After his active cycling career, Jo De Roo enjoys a quiet life at home and can still often be found on his bike. His dedication and passion to the sport was undeniable.

Do you want to shine on your bike just like Jo de Roo? Check out our wide range of beautiful retro cycling apparel, including cycling shirts of the former teams of de Roo.

St. Raphael wielershirtTelevizier wielershirt


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