Dirk Baert

Dirk Baert ( born February 14, 1949 in Zwevegem ) is a former Belgian cyclist and World Champion.

Dirk Baert suffered in his youth from polio, but the disease was able to overcome and operate cycling. In 1969 he became Belgian Champion ( Under 23 ) in the 1000 -meter time trial on the track; the following year he won the national title in tandem race, together with Willy De Bosscher. 1970 and 1974 to 1977 he was Belgian champion in the pursuit, in 1981 one more time. In his last race he was Belgian Champion in the Omnium 1984, after he had become seven second behind Patrick Sercu.

At the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City Dirk Baert occurred on the web in the 1000 -meter time trial, but could only occupy the 18th place. Dirk Baert 1971 won the world title in the pursuit at the championships in Varese; at the World Championships in 1972 and 1975, he came third.

From 1970 to 1984 Baert went cycling race as a professional. During this period he scored a total of 83 victories, many of them with smaller road races almost exclusively in Belgium. In 1984 he resigned from power cycling.

After his retirement Baert worked as a trainer, including two years of the Belgian national road ( amateurs). For two years he managed the PR for the Panasonic team. Another two years Baert coached the Belgian railway Team, then the Belgian road champions and Ludivine Henrion Wannijn Ine. In addition, he has worked as an insurance broker and sports consultant.