Tom Steels

Tom Steels, born on September second, nineteen seventy-one, is a distinguished Belgian former professional road bicycle racer and politician. Renowned for his exceptional sprint finishes and prowess in one-day races, he emerged as one of the top sprinters in the peloton during his competitive years.

Steels began his professional cycling journey in nineteen ninety-four with the Vlaanderen 2002 team, achieving remarkable success by winning eight races in his first two seasons. His career took a significant turn in nineteen ninety-six when he signed with Mapei, where he clinched victories in prestigious events such as Omloop Het Volk and Gent–Wevelgem. The following year marked his debut in the Tour de France, where he showcased his potential by finishing second on Stage 2. However, a controversial incident during the sixth stage led to his disqualification, earning him the nickname 'Tom Bidon'.

The pinnacle of Steels' career came in nineteen ninety-eight when he won the national championship for the second time and returned to the Tour de France, triumphing in four stages. Despite the shadow of doping allegations against his competitors, he demonstrated his talent and resilience. He continued to excel, winning five more stages in the Tour de France in nineteen ninety-nine and two thousand, and securing national championships in two thousand two and two thousand four, making him the record holder of Belgian road championships.

After a successful career, Steels retired from professional racing at the end of the two thousand eight season, having raced for Landbouwkrediet – Tönissteiner. In October two thousand ten, he transitioned to coaching, taking on a role with Quick Step, a Protour team, in two thousand eleven. Beyond his professional achievements, he is also the uncle of fellow racing cyclist Stijn Steels.