Although his quality of life had deteriorated significantly in recent years, Lammertink was still clear of mind and a good conversationalist. Based on at least fifty conversations with Lammertink, Eijsink wrote down the Wierdenaar’s heartbreaking life story last year.
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Hengelo writer Gijs Eijsink gives fitting tribute to former rider Jos Lammertink: ‘Heartbreaking life story’
Lammertink not only had to deal with numerous falls, injuries and a debilitating muscle disease, but as a teenager he was also the victim of a youth coach who abused him.
Unbeatable
De Wierdenaar was one of the best cyclists in the Netherlands in the 1970s and 1980s. On the road, on the track and in the field, wherever he started, he was at the front. In his youth, but also later, he was often unbeatable.
“In terms of strength and technique, he was comparable to Mathieu van der Poel”
Gijs Eijsink, biographer
Gijs Eijsink talked about this last month when Lammertink’s biography was published: “When he signed as an amateur for the professionally managed Amstel team, cyclo-cross was over. His team leader no longer allowed him to do that. Otherwise he would undoubtedly have had a career like Mathieu van der Poel. In terms of strength and technique, the two were very comparable.”
Lammertink had been in hospital in Almelo for the last few days. Ultimately, kidney failure, shortness of breath and heart problems proved fatal.
**What specific aspects of Jos Lammertink’s personality, as you uncovered during your research, Gijs, contributed to both his cycling successes and the challenges he faced throughout his life?**
## Interview: Remembering Jos Lammertink
**Guests:**
* **Gijs Eijsink:** Biographer of Jos Lammertink and author of the book detailing his life.
* **[Expert Guest]:** A former cyclist or cycling commentator familiar with Jos Lammertink’s career and the cycling world of his time.
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are remembering the life and career of Jos Lammertink, a talented cyclist whose life was tragically cut short. Joining us today are Gijs Eijsink, author of Lammertink’s biography, and [Expert Guest], who can offer insights into Lammertink’s place in cycling history.
**Section 1: A Life of Triumph and Tragedy**
* **For Gijs:** Your book offers a poignant portrait of Jos Lammertink. What drew you to his story, and what surprised you most during your research?
* **For [Expert Guest]:** Jos Lammertink was lauded for his talent and dominance in the 1970s and 80s. Can you paint a picture of his cycling prowess and what made him stand out from his contemporaries?
* **Open to both guests:** What do you think were the greatest challenges Lammertink faced throughout his life, both on and off the bike? How did these challenges shape him as a person?
**Section 2: The Unfulfilled Potential**
* **For Gijs:** You mention in the biography that Jos Lammertink’s potential in cyclo-cross could have rivaled that of Mathieu van der Poel. Can you elaborate on this and explain the circumstances that prevented him from pursuing this discipline further?
* **For [Expert Guest]:** Do you agree with this assessment of Lammertink’s cyclo-cross potential? Where do you think he would have ranked among the all-time greats had he pursued that path?
* **Open to both guests:** How do you think Jos Lammertink felt about these unrealized possibilities towards the end of his life? Did he express any regrets?
**Section 3: A Lasting Legacy**
* **For Gijs:** What do you hope readers will take away from your biography of Jos Lammertink?
* **For [Expert Guest]:** How will Jos Lammertink be remembered within the cycling community?
* **Open to both guests:** What lessons can be learned from Jos Lam mertink’s story, both about the highs and lows of athletic
achievement and the importance of addressing abuse and supporting athletes?
**Closing:**
Thank you both for sharing your insights and memories of Jos Lammertink. His story is a complex and powerful one, reminding us of the human cost of athletic ambition and the enduring spirit of those who overcome adversity.
