The residents of Luyksgestel are proud of their fellow villager Harrie Lavreysen. Hundreds of people came on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the best track cyclist in the world, who won four world titles last week. A big surprise for the Brabant muscleman was that the renovated BMX track in the village gets his name. “I didn’t expect this at all.”
A tribute to Lavreysen is not new. For example, he was honored on Friday evening at the match of his favorite club PSV against Fortuna Sittard in the Philips Stadium. “That was very cool, but I think it is even more special in my own village.”
Last year, Lavreysen was honored in his own village after the Olympic titles, and the municipality of Bergeijk also wanted to reflect on the unprecedented successes this year. With four world titles his total came to twenty. Accompanied by the local band, he arrived with friends in the monastery park. His parents and hundreds of fans were also there.
There were nice words on stage from the mayor and then from cycling club De Durtrappers. The club where Lavreysen first got on a bike and was known for years as a great BMX talent. At the end of the ceremony, the board announced that the BMX track, which will be renovated, will be named ‘Harrie Lavreysen BMX track’. “This is very special for me. The club is important in Luyksgestel, I have been coming here since I was six.”
“I hope I can inspire the youth.”
Afterwards, a long line formed, mainly of young cyclists and fans, to get an autograph and have their picture taken with Lavreysen. “Last year there was such a big celebration that cannot be surpassed. But the fact that so many people came today despite the rainy weather is really special to me. I hope I can inspire the youth.”
If Lavreysen has his way, it will certainly not be the last tribute. On the track, he hopes to remain the best in the world in the coming years.
Record
Lavreysen won four gold medals at the Track Cycling World Championships in Chile. He was the fastest in the sprint, team sprint, keirin and kilometer time trial. A track cyclist has never before achieved four world titles.