Jan Bakelants (born 14 February 1986) is a Belgian former professional road racing cyclist, who competed as a professional from 2009 to 2022.

Career

His major wins include the 2008 Tour de l'Avenir and stage 2 of the 2013 Tour de France, claiming the yellow jersey after winning the stage by only a second of an advantage on the peloton after a late attack. He also rode the 2010 Giro d'Italia, in which he finished 36th. Bakelants left at the end of the 2013 season, and joined for the 2014 season. In August 2014, it was announced that he would be leaving after one year and joining on an initial two-year deal. Bakelants was severely injured in a crash at the 2017 Giro di Lombardia when he crashed into a ravine on a fast descent, fracturing seven ribs and the first and third vertebrae. He did not lose consciousness and was transferred to the hospital in Como. The crash left Bakelants 1 cm shorter. After his crash, Bakelants spoke out about safety standards in cycling. He hoped to return to racing in March 2018, and did so at the Classic Loire Atlantique in France.

Major results

Grand Tour results timeline