Career
Knetemann maintained an Amsterdam accent and a sharp sense of humour that made him a favourite with reporters and earned him television and radio appearances. His best year in the Tour de France was 1978, when he led from the sixth stage. His career dwindled after a crash in Dwars door België in Belgium in March 1983.
Recovery took months and, although he did again ride the Tour de France, there was not much left of the once sparkling star.
He retired from racing in 1991 and became Dutch team selector. Knetemann died while riding his bike.
He collapsed from a heart attack with friends in Bergen. Their daughter Roxane, born in 1987, has been a professional cyclist since 2006.
