Piet Ikelaar took part in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp . He started in five different cycling disciplines and won two bronze medals, in a tandem race with Frans de Vreng and over 50 kilometers on the track . An eyewitness claims to have seen, however, that Ikelaar was second and for the silver medal. Brit Thomas Harvey had led the field but fell 200 meters from the finish because his bike collided with that of racing driver Henry George , who eventually won. Also Cyril Aldenwas hampered by the collision, but literally fell a few inches behind George over the finish line. Ikelaar complained that he had finished second; however, his objection was not recognized.
Ikelaar was twice second in the Dutch road championships, in 1917 behind Jorinus van der Wiel and in 1920 behind Frits Wiersma . In 1921 he became a professional (until 1931). During this time he was twice Dutch champion in the professional road race and in 1925 again second behind van der Wiel.
Piet Ikelaar was known for his strict morals and well-groomed clothes. He was a functionary of his home club "ASC De Germaan" until old age. He was 96 years old.