Jan Pronk (cyclist)

Jan Pronk at the Standing European Championship 2007 in Alkmaar

Jan Pronk (born October 19, 1918 in Den Helder ; † March 15, 2016 in Egmond ) was a Dutch cyclist .

Career

In the 1940s and 1950s Jan Pronk was one of the best stayers in the Netherlands. Eight times between 1944 and 1957 he was Dutch master of standing. He was also successful internationally: at the track world championships in 1951 he won the title behind his pacemaker Frits Wiersma , in 1947 he was third, in 1949, 1950 and 1954 second at world championships.

Pronk achieved the world championship title of 1951 with a trick: his compatriot Kees Bakker dropped to last place, was overtaken by Pronk and during the race prevented him from being overtaken by Pronk's competitors. Bakker was paid for this service by Pronk, and the two of them celebrated the world championship title on the train back with champagne. This type of service is now officially banned.

After finishing his cycling career, Jan Pronk opened a tobacco shop.

Web links

Jan Pronk in the Radsportseiten.net database

Individual evidence

↑ Wielersport.slogblog.nl: "Kees Bakker" (Dutch)

personal data
SURNAME	Pronk, Jan
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	Dutch cyclist
DATE OF BIRTH	October 19, 1918
PLACE OF BIRTH	Den Helder , Netherlands
DATE OF DEATH	15th March 2016
Place of death	Egmond , Netherlands

[1] Wielersport.slogblog.nl: "Kees Bakker" (Dutch)