Willy Vannitsen was a Belgian professional road bicycle racer.
13 Facts About Willy Vannitsen
1.
2.
In 1962, Vannitsen won two stages in the 1962 Tour de France.
3.
Willy Vannitsen was born on 8 February 1935 in Jeuk, Limburg.
4.
Willy Vannitsen made his debut as a professional cyclist with Peugeot in 1954, with four victories.
5.
Willy Vannitsen's most honored year was 1958, when he received the victory flowers 14 times.
6.
Willy Vannitsen was part of a leading group, which he was able to join in the full final in the wake of Jacques Anquetil.
7.
Willy Vannitsen won two Tour stages and one stage in the Giro.
8.
Willy Vannitsen finished 70th in his first Tour de France in 1962.
9.
Willy Vannitsen rode the Tour of Italy four times, each time leaving the race early, but in 1958 he won the first stage, which earned him a day in pink.
10.
Willy Vannitsen took part in the Tour of the Netherlands twice.
11.
Willy Vannitsen rode the Tour of Belgium five times: 4th in 1955 with a stage victory, retired in 1959 but a stage victory, 73rd in 1965 and 13th in 1966.
12.
Willy Vannitsen won two Six Days: in 1957 in Brussels, together with fellow countryman Rik Van Looy and in 1961 in Antwerp with the same Van Looy and the Dutchman Peter Post.
13.
Willy Vannitsen completely recovered, but died two years later after a fall.