"Rolf Wolfsholm, famously known as 'Le Loup', has passed away"
Rolf Wolfshohl was a well-respected figure in Germany and cherished in France. At the age of 85, he sadly passed away, marking the end of the last German cycling legend from the prosperous sixties. He donned the yellow jersey, among other accolades, during the Tour de France.
Quiet and humble was this man, who once said, "I need my bike, nothing else - and work for the mind." True to his character, Wolfshohl departed in a low-key manner. Known as "Le Loup" by the French, who adored him even more than the Germans, Wolfshohl breathed his last on a Wednesday.
With Wolfshohl's demise, a cyclist who clinched the Vuelta a España and Paris-Nice and was a three-time cyclo-cross world champion, but is more recognized for his second-place finishes in the absence of good fortune, the last German cycling icon from the golden sixties exits the stage. Rudi Altig and Karl-Heinz Kunde went in 2016 and 2018 respectively, and Hennes Junkermann in 2022. Now, their legacy lives on only through books and old archival footage.
"A Biter, a Fighter, an Attacker"
"He was a competitor, a fighter, an attacker; merely a racer overflowing with passion. The French adored such an 'enthusiastic newcomer' who didn't hesitate to take on all challenges straightaway," wrote Klaus Angermann in "The Dream of the Yellow Jersey". Wolfshohl embodied this spirit. However, his stint was brief.
In 1968, Wolfshohl wore the yellow jersey for two days even after crashing and waiting a long time for a new bike. He eventually finished sixth, marking his most successful Tour de France participation among his nine attempts. Wolfshohl rode for French teams alongside legends like Raymond Poulidor and Jacques Anquetil from 1960 to 1971. The French developed a soft spot for Wolfshohl, regardless or perhaps because he often missed out on the big wins - like coming second at Milan-San Remo or Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Wolfshohl's life had its share of shadows
Love struck back at Wolfshohl. "The calmness of the French has always captivated me, I have a fondness for France," he shared, as a Rhinelander, he felt "a little of that mentality in myself." If he hadn't been married in Germany, he might have relocated to the Provence.
However, Wolfshohl's life was marred by dark episodes. He was hit with a doping ban in 1968 - a different era, it was a four-week suspension. And life post his professional sports career was not generous to him either. His son Rolf-Dieter, also a cyclist, suffered a severe crash at the German Championships in 1984, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 51. Wolfshohl also lost his daughter prematurely.
Healthwise, he who cycled the 30 kilometers from the Bergisches Land to his Cologne bike shop daily even in his late seventies, was not in the best state recently. "I'll do something grand when I'm 100," he said. Alas, the golden generation unites early.
Despite his struggles with doping and personal tragedies, Rolf Wolfshohl's love for sports, particularly cycling, remained unwavering. He frequently cycled to his bike shop, even in his later years, demonstrating his enduring passion for sports.
Wolfshohl's contribution to sports extends beyond his cycling career. He inspired future generations and became a beloved figure in both Germany and France, particularly known for his participation in numerous renowned sports events.
