Gerrie Knettemen for you early 80’s fans died today of a heart attack. At what, 53, this is either statisticly insignificant or just another dope related heart deal. Last year there were well over a dozen pro’s and ex-pros who died of heart problems. I know if we run a “who has weird heart moments and papitations” as in the past, many would say they have some ticker issues. I also have book stating that the size of cyclist hearts are only rivaled by CC ski dudes. So in the end, will all this kill us at an early age? or does is the common tradition of doping in cycling the factor here?
Riding at lactate threshold for a whole career can not be too good for your heart, just a guess.
Maybe overuse of the heart?
I have no idea - not a Dr., but it would make sense to me.
I’m sorry, but Gerrie was until yesterday our coach of the national cycling team.
I think he was NEVER associated with any use of performance enhancing drugs. He died yesterday when he was making a trip on his ATB. He had a very good image here. I think he was just of bad luck.
marko16,
Would this also explain the death at an early age of Jim Fix, endurance athlete and marathoner? Was he a “doper” too? Just no testing then to discover it?
Jim Fixx had a family history of heart disease. His father died at age ~42-43 of a heart attack. He died at 52 or 53. Looks like running helped him.
Greg
yawg,
Thank you for your informed update. I clearly I used a poor example for making my point.
My post was driven by a suspicion that marko16 was jumping to conclusions with insufficient facts.
Maybe we should have interpretted from his post that cycling leads to early death from heart problems? Maybe we should all give up cycling?
OK guys. Gerrie Knettman dies and instead of celebrating your life and the pleasure he brought cyclists worldwide, do you have to concentrate on useless allegations of doping. Do it while the guy is alive and can defend himself, but when the fellow passes away, just have a bit of respect. May his soul rest in peace.
I am sure it you died today, your family would not appreciate guys walking around accusing you of being a rapist.
Some of you guys have no sensitivity. Lighten up please ! We all have to go sometime. Here is a chance to remember the accomplishments of a World Champion cyclist, who beat the likes of Hinault, Moser and Saronni !