- published: 10 Sep 2008
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Hendrik "Erik" Dekker (born 21 August 1970) is a retired Dutch professional road racing cyclist active from 1992 until 2006. He was a member of the Rabobank cycling team from 1996 till 2006. In 2007 he became one of Rabobank's team managers.
Dekker rode his first race at eight, and soon became successful. In 1985 he was invited to join the national selection for juniors. As an amateur, his most important results were second places at the youth world championships in Bergamo in 1987 and at the road race in the 1992 Summer Olympics. In that Olympic road race, Dekker got away at 30 km before the finish, together with Fabio Casartelli and Dainis Ozols. Dekker was outsprinted by Casartelli, but was so happy that he won a medal that he also finished with his arms in the air.
Directly after the Olympic Games, he became professional, and rode his first race a few weeks later in the Tour de l'Avenir.
His first win as a professional was a stage of the Vuelta al País Vasco of 1994, the year he rode his first Tour de France. In 1997 Dekker won the Ronde van Nederland, but a large part of 1998 was lost because of injuries.
Parijs - Tours 2004 - Erik Dekker
Nooit meer vallen, een documentaire over wielrenner Erik Dekker
Dekker, king of Tour de France 2000
Amstel Gold Race 2001
Erik Dekker: 'Dat meen je niet'
Last race Erik Dekker
Cyclocross Bakel 2015 (Erik Dekker)
Oud-prof Erik Dekker rijdt Vuelta-toertocht
Wielrennen - "Mooi fiets'n" tijdens de Erik Dekker Classic
Amstel Radler Challenge - Tuitert vs. Dekker