Hof der dingen - Judo black belt of Yves Lampaert

Judo belt? But wait, isn’t he a cyclist? He is – but Yves Lampaert is a man of many talents. Lampaert, a pro road racer for Soudal-Quick-Step, is known for his grit and determination on the bike. You might remember that dramatic moment when he was catapulted onto the cobblestones of northern France during the Paris-Roubaix finale, losing his chance at a podium spot. An overzealous fan was to blame, but somehow Yves landed on his feet, as if he were a professional gymnast. The commentator cheekily credited his judo skills, calling it a small miracle that he didn’t end up breaking any bones. 

But what about that infamous judo career we were talking about? Yes – this black belt proves it: Yves was a force to be reckoned with on the judo mat. He even earned a black belt and won a Belgian Championship in the cadet division while competing for the Ingelmunser Judo Club Kawaishi in Tielt. Yves started practicing judo at the tender age of six, but by the time he was 16, he realized he was never going to make it to the top. After some solid performances in duathlons and inspired by his cousin Stijn Neirynck, a pro cyclist from Egem, Yves switched gears and started training in cycling. That didn’t immediately result in any victories, but he did manage to finish all his races. In August of 2009, he finally did it: he won the Lendelede Koerse. The rest is history. He became a Belgian Champion in both road racing and time trial, took two Dwars door Vlaanderen Wins, claimed a stage at the Vuelta, and conquered the Driedaagse Brugge-De Panne. 

That didn’t immediately result in any victories, but at least he managed to finish all his races. In August 2009, he finally did it: he won Lendelede Koerse. The rest is history. Yves went on to become Belgian Champion in both road racing and time trials, took two Dwars door Vlaanderen wins, claimed a stage at the Vuelta, and conquered the Driedaagse Brugge-De Panne. 

However, his most unforgettable victory came on July 1, 2022, when he won the opening time trial of the Tour de France and snatched the coveted yellow jersey in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

In his famous post-race interview, Yves stole even more hearts with the words: “I’m just a farmer’s son from Belgium.”