Bjarne Riis

Bjarne Riis, born on April 3, 1964, in Herning, Denmark, is a former professional cyclist and renowned team manager. Riis made his mark with strong performances in the 1990s, particularly in stage races. His most notable achievement as a rider was winning the 1996 Tour de France, a victory that put Danish cycling on the global map. Known for his endurance and determination, Riis was a prominent figure in the peloton during his career, which included wins in the Amstel Gold Race and the Danish National Championships.

Riis’s career later became controversial when he admitted in 2007 to using performance-enhancing drugs, including EPO, during his 1996 Tour de France victory. Despite this revelation, Riis transitioned into a successful management career, leading Team CSC (later Team Saxo Bank) to numerous successes, including multiple Grand Tour and classic victories. His tenure was marked by innovative training methods and a strong focus on team dynamics, which earned him respect as a manager. Riis is still regarded as an influential figure in cycling, especially for his contributions to team management and training innovation.