Cycling world pays tribute to former pro and sports director Noël Dejonckheere
He worked with the 7-Eleven and BMC Racing Teams, as well as spending a decade leading USA Cycling's U23 development program in Belgium.
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The cycling world has paid tribute to former pro cyclist and sport director Noël Dejonckheere after he died earlier this week, aged 67.
Dejonckheere turned pro in 1979 after winning an amateur points race at the track world championships the previous year. He was a double champion at Paris-Nice and won six stages of the Vuelta a España across his career.
Following his retirement, he worked with the 7-Eleven/Motorola squad for almost eight years. He then spent a decade leading USA Cycling’s development program in Izegem, Belgium, before joining BMC Racing as its European operations manager.
Also read: Former pro cyclist and sport director Noël Dejonckheere dies at age of 67
Former road pro turned gravel racer, Peter Stetina was one of those who paid tribute to the Belgian. “RIP Noel. He had a lasting impact on so many riders careers. Including mine,” Stetina wrote on Twitter.
John Lelangue worked with Dejonckheere at BMC racing. “Sad day for cycling with the passing away of Noël Dejonckheere. I met him first as a National Coach at USA Cycling and had the opportunity to work with him during 10 years at BMC where he was a great Operations Manager. Such a passionnate [sic] and professional man! Rest in Peace Noël.”
RIP Noel. He had a lasting impact on so many riders careers. Including mine 💔 https://t.co/3gNOeHAKSJ
— Peter Stetina (@peterstetina) December 30, 2022
Sad day for cycling with the passing away of Noël Dejonckheere.I met him first as a National Coach @usacycling and had the opportunity to work with him during 10 years at BMC where he was a great Operations Manager. Such a passionnate and professional man! Rest in Peace Noël https://t.co/nuvfFSWH0i
— John Lelangue (@johnlelangue) December 29, 2022
Thanks for everything Noël. I won't forget you, my friend. I will always remember your affection. RIP https://t.co/o1zLOqAseZ
— Samuel Sánchez (@soysamusanchez) December 30, 2022
Rest in peace, my friend. It was a privilege to work with Noel, first with the 7-Eleven team and later at USA Cycling at the beginning of our U23 resident program in Belgium. He shaped the early careers of many of our top road men. Thoughts with Els, Charlyn & Naomi. https://t.co/HVXc1odUed
— Sean Petty (@spetty80) December 29, 2022
Always a champion of our sport. Au devoir, Noel https://t.co/eAFA3893Am
— Phil Liggett (@PhilLiggett) December 30, 2022
RIP Champ 🙏 pic.twitter.com/brE1jOb6af
— Brian Holm (@brianholm1962) December 29, 2022
Great write up, Fred. Thanks for sharing. Was an amazing period in my life and I’m sure many others feel the same. Izegem is where I grew up. I have many great memories racing for Noël and the national team that I will cherish for a lifetime. https://t.co/yhPWOakGRr
— Kirk Carlsen (@kcarlsenjr) December 30, 2022