Walter Godefroot, the celebrated Belgian cyclist and team manager, has died at the age of 82 after a prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Godefroot, who was born in Gent, Belgium, left an indelible mark on the world of professional cycling during his career spanning from 1965 to 1979.
Regarded as a formidable competitor, Godefroot achieved significant success in the Tour de France, winning ten stages and claiming the points classification title in 1970. His impressive résumé also includes victories at prestigious events such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, highlighting his prowess as a Classics specialist.
A Legacy of Triumphs and Team Leadership
Before becoming a team manager, Godefroot earned Olympic bronze in the road race at the 1964 Tokyo Games. He turned professional in 1965, quickly establishing himself as a rival to cycling legend Eddy Merckx. Godefroot’s early achievements included wins at the Belgian National Championships in 1965, Liège in 1967, and Roubaix in 1969.
Throughout his racing career, Godefroot secured a total of 155 victories while riding for teams such as Flandria, Salvarani, and Peugeot. He announced his retirement from professional racing in 1977, subsequently opening a bicycle shop with his wife. However, his passion for cycling led him back to the sport in 1991 as the manager of the Telekom team.
During his tenure, which lasted until 2005, Godefroot transformed Telekom into one of the most successful teams in cycling history. Under his leadership, the team celebrated two Tour de France victories with riders Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich. Godefroot continued to contribute to the cycling community as an advisor for Astana in 2006 and 2007, marking the end of his extensive involvement in professional racing.
Godefroot, affectionately known as “the bulldog of Flanders” for his tenacity and competitive spirit, passed away on September 1, 2025. His contributions to cycling, both as a rider and a manager, have solidified his legacy within the sport, earning him admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike.