Ferdi Van Den Haute

Ferdi Van Den Houte ( born June 25, 1952 in Deftinge ) is a former Belgian cyclist and coach.

Even as an amateur Ferdi Van Den Houte has seen many successes, especially on the track. 1976, in his first year as a pro, Van Den Houte won the seventh stage of the Vuelta a España. In the Vuelta in 1978, he won two stages and the points classification. In the same year he won Gent- Wevelgem, 1979, the Tour de l' Aude, in 1984 the Grand Prix of the canton of Aargau and the Grand Prix de Fourmies, 1985, the Ronde van Midden- Zeeland and many other races. Four times he took part in the Tour de France, 1984, he won the fourth stage. At the International Vitamalz Tour 1979, a predecessor of the Germany tour, he was ranked ninth in the overall standings.

Overall, Van Den Houte ten times Belgian champion, nine times on the track and once - in 1986 in Antwerp - Belgian champion in the road race, after he had twelve participated in this championship. He then ended his cycling career.

Before Van Den Haute had become a professional racing driver, he had completed a degree in physical education teacher and therefore was considered a " witte raaf " (Dutch = " white raven " ) in the peloton. After his professional years he was coach at the " Vlaamse Wieler School ", later sports director and coordinator. In 2007 he retired.