Deaths on January 4

Jan Schröder, Dutch cyclist (b. 1941)

Jan Schröder (born 16 June 1941 in Koningsbosch, Netherlands; died 4 January 2007 in Koningsbosch) was a distinguished Dutch professional cyclist renowned for his versatility across both road and track disciplines. His career, spanning several decades, showcased a consistent presence and notable achievements in the demanding world of professional cycling.

A Promising Start and Key Road Victories

Schröder's professional career officially began with a significant bang in 1961. He secured his inaugural professional victory at the Omloop der Kempen, a prestigious early-season classic in the Netherlands known for its often decisive sprint finishes. In a remarkable display of raw power and tactical acumen, Schröder triumphed by outsprinting two formidable contemporaries, Henk Nijdam and Adriaan Biemans, establishing himself early on as a talent to watch. Nijdam, in particular, was a highly regarded track and road sprinter, making Schröder's victory even more impressive. Building on this momentum, the following year, 1962, saw Schröder dominate the Ster van Zwolle, another classic Dutch one-day race often considered a significant early indicator of form for the cycling season.

His third and final professional road victory came in 1966 at a criterium race held in Enter. Criterium races, distinct from traditional road races, are typically shorter events conducted on a closed circuit, often through town centers, demanding sharp handling, tactical positioning, and repeated bursts of acceleration. This win highlighted Schröder's adaptable skill set beyond endurance road racing. Throughout his road cycling tenure, Schröder consistently demonstrated his competitive spirit, securing an additional three second-place finishes and three third-place finishes in various professional road events, underscoring his reliable performance against top-tier competition.

Late Career Transition and National Track Recognition

In the later stages of his career, Jan Schröder successfully transitioned or intensified his focus on track cycling, a discipline that requires a different set of physical and tactical attributes. This pivot culminated in a remarkable achievement in 1976, when he secured a silver medal in the individual pursuit at the Dutch national track cycling championships. The individual pursuit is a grueling event where two riders start on opposite sides of the track and race against the clock over a set distance, aiming to catch their opponent or record the fastest time. Achieving a national medal in such a specialized discipline at the age of 35 speaks volumes about his enduring athletic prowess, dedication, and ability to adapt to new challenges within the sport.

Legacy of a Versatile Dutch Cyclist

Jan Schröder passed away on 4 January 2007, at the age of 65, in his cherished hometown of Koningsbosch. He is remembered as a versatile and determined Dutch professional cyclist whose career encompassed notable victories and consistent performances across both the road and the velodrome, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jan Schröder

When and where was Jan Schröder born and where did he die?

Jan Schröder was born on 16 June 1941 in Koningsbosch, Netherlands, and he passed away on 4 January 2007 in his hometown of Koningsbosch at the age of 65.

What were Jan Schröder's primary cycling disciplines?

Jan Schröder was a professional cyclist who competed successfully in both road cycling and track cycling disciplines.

What was Jan Schröder's first professional cycling victory?

His first professional win came in 1961 at the Omloop der Kempen, where he outsprinted Henk Nijdam and Adriaan Biemans.

Did Jan Schröder win any national championships?

While he secured significant professional wins on the road, his most notable national achievement was a silver medal in the individual pursuit at the Dutch track cycling championships in 1976.