Thijs Roks

Thijs Roks ( born November 30, 1930 in Sprundel; † 7 February 2007 Wernhout ) was a Dutch cyclist.

Thijs Roks 1951 professional racer. The following year he took part in the first Dutchman at the Giro d' Italia. Then he was offered the team of Fausto Coppi to a contract; However, his father forbade him, so to move to Italy. Three times he took part in the Tour de France, 1953, he was one of the successful Dutch National Team to Wim van Est and Wout Wagtmans. On the first stage a breakaway he had succeeded, but abruptly ended at a closed railway barrier. In 1955 he became Dutch road champion.

After his cycling career opened Roks, surnamed " De Beer of Sprundel " ( German: The bear of Sprundel ) wore a café in Wernhout. He fell ill with rheumatism and had to sit in a wheelchair; two of his sons - both by accident - and his wife died before him.