János Dévai

János Dévai began cycling when he was six-years-old, with him soon showing his talent as a cyclo-country rider. Dévai was only 15-years-old when he finished second in the event at the Hungarian national championships. After finishing third in both 1957 and 1958, along with another second place in 1959, he finally became the national cyclo-country champion in 1961. Dévai dominated the sport in the early 1960s, winning the national title again in 1962 and 1963. Outside of Hungary he also competed at the European Cyclo-Country Championships in 1957 and the World Road Championships in 1960.

In 1960 Dévai was one of four Hungarian cyclists to be selected to compete in the individual road race at the Roma Olympics. The Games, however, were a disaster for the team after they were entered but did not start when the Hungarian Cycling Federation withdrew all their cyclists after one member went to the wrong doctor. Despite the setback Dévai continued to compete throughout the 1960s, winning dozens more races and championships. After his retirement he worked as both a cycling coach and for the Hungarian railway company.