Fedor den Hertog

The son of a Russian mother and a Dutch father, Fedor den Hertog was a very successful amateur, winning a gold medal in the 1968 Olympic team time trial and the 1972 Tour de l’Avenir. He also placed third in the 1972 Olympic team time trial, but the Dutch team was disqualified for a doping offense. Known as “Ivan the Terrible” for his many successful breakaways, Den Hertog turned professional in 1974, after having turned down contract offers for many years. His greatest year came in 1977, when he won the Dutch national title, and stages in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. His career was cut short by an accident that affect his eyesight. He died at age 64, having suffered from cancer for several years.