Jan Raas

Nationality	Dutch
Born	November 8, 1952
Birthplace	Heinkenszand, Netherlands
Discipline	Road
Role	Sprinter
Professional debut	1975
Retired	1985

Jan Raas is a retired Dutch professional road cyclist who was born in Heinkenszand on November 8, 1952. He was recognized as a gifted sprinter who achieved success in both one-day and stage competitions.

Raas turned professional in 1975 and rode for multiple teams, notably TI-Raleigh and Kwandum Hallen, throughout his career. He achieved his greatest success in the Classics, including victories in the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the Amstel Gold Race.

Raas was renowned for his explosive sprinting abilities and ability to predict the outcome of a race. He was a shrewd thinker who frequently utilized his sprinting abilities in the last kilometers of a race. He was also a revered team leader who mentored numerous rookie riders.

After his 1985 retirement from cycling, Raas became a successful team manager, guiding numerous elite teams, including Buckler and Rabobank. He also served as the national cycling coach for the Netherlands.

Away from the bike, Raas is noted for his quiet nature and passion for the sport. Respected in the cycling world, he has participated in a number of projects to promote the sport and assist young cyclists.

Jan Raas’s biggest achievements:

Year	Achievement
1979	Tour of Flanders – 1st place
1980	Paris-Roubaix – 1st place
1978	Amstel Gold Race – 1st place
1982	Milan-San Remo – 1st place
1979	Amstel Gold Race – 1st place
1977	Amstel Gold Race – 1st place
1983	Dutch National Road Race Championships – 1st place