HALL OF FAME the first one!
I 500cc class.
Rene Baeten
n Belgium, motocross and cycling are two of the most popular sports. There have been thirteen Belgian FIM Motocross World Champions with Rene Baeten setting the tone back in 1958 as the first Belgian to win the motocross world championship back in 1958 in the
Born in Herentals on the 10th of June 1927, Rene Baeten didn’t have the longest of careers
as he started racing motocross when he was twenty years old and disappeared tragically in an accident less than fifteen years later. Coming late into motocross, in 1947, Rene Baeten had to wait a few years before bringing home his first trophies; but when the little and talented man started to win some races two years later, he immediately switched to the International class to race against some of the most famous Belgians riders such as Auguste Mingels, Victor Leloup or Paul Janssen. Winning
1953: 2nd in the 500 European Championship (Sarolea), winner of 2 GP 2nd at the MX of Nations 1954: 2nd in the 500 European Championship (Sarolea), winner of 2 GP 1955: 9th in the 500 European Championship (Matchless) 2nd at the MX of Nations Belgian champion 1956:
8th in the 500 European Championship (FN) 3rd at the MX of Nations 1957: 2nd in the 500 World Championship (FN), winner of 1 GP
2nd at the MX of Nations Belgian champion 1958: 500 World Champion (FN), winner of 3 GP
Belgian Sports Merit Award 1959: 9th in the 500 World Championship (Matchless) 1960: 7th in the 500 World Championship (Matchless)
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