Radomir Simunek

Former cyclo cross World Champion, and renowned legend of the sport, Radomir Simunek has passed away after losing his battle with cirrhosis of the liver. In his 48 years, the Czech became well known for his ruthless approach to training and racing – something which earned him the Junior World Championship in 1980, Amateur World Title in 1983 and ultimately the Professional World Title in 1991; something which no other rider has been capable of achieving.

A year after his Pro World Title, Simunek was responsible for killing three people in a tragic car accident. But after serving four months of his 18 month sentence, he was pardoned by the then Czech ruler, Vaclav Havel. Radomir Simunek returned to the world of professional cyclo cross. After several years back in the game, he retired, aged 40 years. He changed focus, and took up coaching his son.

Radomir was considered “a rare talent” by the Head of Committee in Czech cyclo cross, Cestmir Kalas, and was treated with the respect he deserved, despite his shortcomings. This talent seems to have rubbed off onto his son, and protégé, Radomir Jnr. The father and son duo worked as one, to help the younger of the two stars earn his Silver medals in both the Junior and U23men World Cyclo Cross Championships.

Radomir Snr will be remembered by his wife and son; the latter currently riding for the BKCP PowerPlus team, based in the very heart of cyclo cross, Belgium. With a lifetime of opportunity ahead of him, there seems no doubt that the younger will flourish in the coming years, and continue to proudly carry the Simunek name in what is one of the tougher disciplines in cycling.