Freddy Maertens was born on 13 February 1952 in Nieuwpoort, Belgium.
Although he did not quite meet the hopes of a nation to emulate the great Eddy Merckx, he compiled one of the great records ever in the one-day classics.
He was only an average climber, which prevented him from winning much in the major tours, but he was one of the greatest ever road sprinters. After his retirement, he joined the BRT (Belgian Radio and Television) to report on major cycling events.
Other major victories :
World professional road race 1976, 1981
Vuelta a Espana 1977
Tour of Flanders 1982
Ghent-Wevelgem 1975, 1976
Amstel Gold Race 1976
Bordeaux-Paris 1985
Zurich 1976
Paris-Nice 1977
Grand Prix de Nations 1976
Points Jersey - Tour de France 1976, 1978, 1981 and Vuelta a Espana 1977