Frans Verhaegen, a Belgian professional racing cyclist who competed in the Tour de France, died Feb. 9, 2026. He was 78.
Born on Jan. 22, 1948, in Pulle, Belgium, Verhaegen entered the ranks of professional cycling and established himself within the European circuit. He is best known for riding in the 1976 Tour de France, the premier event in international road cycling.
Verhaegen remained active in the cycling community throughout his life. Local officials and news reports characterized him as an ambassador for the sport and for the municipality of Grobbendonk. His death was announced on Monday, though a specific cause was not provided.