<"Cycle racing was never a tool to win respect from others.
I wasn't suited to be an idol".
(Gert-Jan Theunisse in local newspaper De Gelderlander 12 July 2003)
~*~*~*~
Looking back, one could say that I missed out Gert-Jan's most glorious
years. Eventhough television programmes once in a while repeat his winning
finish of the 1989 stage to l'Alpe d'Huez, I have never seen him raising his
hands to the skies in other important races. And therefore his victory in
the Tour of Luxembourg of 1991 is one of the most special moments to
me.
My hero had fought his way back to the top after a difficult year full of
accusations, rumours and desolation. A year in which I turned from a
fairweather-fan into a supporter for life. Not his wonderful career, but
the person Gert-Jan Theunisse received a place in my heart.
The affair
A year full of struggle and strife
Return to the pack
* Climbed to great heights; -->
* Cycled through deep valleys;
* Honoured, reviled, forgotten;
* Fallen a thousand times...
* ...and gotten up again!
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© 1999 Christina
