Roger de Vlaeminck, has revealed that his older brother Eric is struggling with both Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. He was speaking on a preview programme for the World Cyclo Cross Championships on Belgian TV.
Eric holds the record for having won the Cyclo Cross World Championships seven times (in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973). He missed winning in 1967 only because his bike was damaged during the race.
On the road, he won the Tour of Belgium and a stage of the Tour de France amongst others races.
On the TV programme, Roger revealed, “Eric has been suffering for two years from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I went to visit him last week, but it wasn’t good. Eric recognised me, but I am one of the few.”
“If you say something to him, he understands, but we can not understand what he says. It’s sad. He’s only 69, in March, he is 70.”
As to whether he would be watching the World Championships, Roger responded, “Maybe, but I do not think he even realizes what is happening.”
