Wim Vansevenant
Encyclopedia
Wim Vansevenant is a Belgian former professional road bicycle racer.
In his early years he was active mainly in Bovekerke
- where he lived with his parents - and its surroundings. Later he moved to Torhout
where he has a small farm.
Vansevenant turned professional in 1995.
Vansevenant has been lanterne rouge
of the Tour de France
three times, in 2006
, 2007
and 2008
. He is the only man ever to have finished last three times.
Vansevenant retired after the 2008 season with plans to take over his parents' farm.
In June, 2011, Vansevenant was accused of importing doping products into Belgium. He has claimed that the products were for his own personal use.
In his early years he was active mainly in Bovekerke
Bovekerke
Bovekerke is a village in the Belgian province of West-Flanders, and since 1971 it’s a “deelgemeente” of the municipality of Koekelare. Besides the chief town of Koekelare proper, Bovekerke also borders the villages Vladslo and Werken .Bovekerke has about 1000 inhabitants. The Roman Catholic...
- where he lived with his parents - and its surroundings. Later he moved to Torhout
Torhout
Torhout is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality only comprises the city of Torhout proper. On January 1, 2008 Torhout had a total population of 19,755...
where he has a small farm.
Vansevenant turned professional in 1995.
Vansevenant has been lanterne rouge
Lanterne rouge
The Lanterne Rouge is the competitor in last place in a cycling race such as the Tour de France. The phrase comes from the French "Red Lantern" and refers to the red lantern hung on the caboose of a railway train, which conductors would look for in order to make sure none of the couplings had...
of the Tour de France
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
three times, in 2006
2006 Tour de France
The 2006 Tour de France was the 93rd Tour de France, taking place from July 1 to July 23, 2006. It was won by Óscar Pereiro following the disqualification of apparent winner Floyd Landis....
, 2007
2007 Tour de France
The 2007 Tour de France, the 94th running of the race, took place from 7 July to 29 July 2007. The Tour began with a prologue in London, and ended with the traditional finish in Paris. Along the way, the route also passed through Belgium and Spain...
and 2008
2008 Tour de France
The 2008 Tour de France was the 95th Tour de France. The event took place from 5–27 July 2008. Starting in the French city of Brest, the tour entered Italy on the 15th stage and returned to France during the 16th, heading for Paris, its regular final destination, which was reached in the 21st stage...
. He is the only man ever to have finished last three times.
Vansevenant retired after the 2008 season with plans to take over his parents' farm.
In June, 2011, Vansevenant was accused of importing doping products into Belgium. He has claimed that the products were for his own personal use.
Palmares
- Tour du Vaucluse - 1 stage (1996)
- 3rd, World Military Championship (1993)
- 3rd, National Amateur Time Trial Championship (1993)