Introduction
Steven Rooks (born 7 August 1960 in Oterleek, North Holland) is a former Dutch professional road racing cyclist known for his climbing ability. His professional career ran from 1982–1995.
Career
In the 1988 Tour de France, Rooks finished second and won a finish on L’Alpe d’Huez. He won the polka dot jersey for the mountains classification and the Présence Classification (or combination classification). In the 1989 Tour, Rooks won Stage 15, a 39 km mountain top time trial to Orcières-Merlette; he finished seventh that year and again won the Présence Classification, the final year of that award.
Other victories include the 1983 Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the 1986 Tour de Luxembourg and Amstel Gold Race, a stage at the 1987 Tour de Suisse, the 1988 Züri-Metzgete, and 1994 national championship.He finished second at the 1991 World Cycling Championships behind Italy's Gianni Bugno and ahead of Spain's Miguel Indurain.
Doping confession
On the Dutch TV-show Reporter, Rooks admitted with Maarten Ducrot and Peter Winnen to doping.Rooks said he used testosterone and amphetamines during his 13-year career. In 2009, he admitted using EPO after 1989.
Career achievements
Major results
Source:
- 1989
- 7th Overall Tour de France
- Critériums
- 1983
- 1st Kamerik
- 1985
- 1st Heemskerk
- 1st Heerhugowaard
- 1986
- 1st Elsloo
- 1st Kloosterzande
- 1st Valkenswaard
- 1987
- 1st Eindhoven
- 1st Schijndel
- 1988
- 1st Acht van Chaam
- 1st Draai van de Kaai
- 1st Nittedal-Oslo
- 1st Apeldoorn
- 1989
- 1st Mijl van Mares
- 1991
- 1st Profronde van Oostvoorne
- 1st Valkenswaard
Grand Tour general classification results timeline
| Grand Tour | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vuelta a España
|
— | — | DNF | — | — | — | — | — | 9 | 10 | — | — | — |
 Giro d'Italia
|
— | — | — | — | — | DNF | — | 75 | — | — | DNF | — | DNF |
 Tour de France
|
DNF | — | 25 | 9 | DNF | 2 | 7 | 33 | 26 | 17 | DNF | DNF | — |
| — | Did not compete |
|---|---|
| DNF | Did not finish |
Honors
- In 1988, Rooks was Dutch Sportsman of the year.
- Since 2004, Maastricht, the Steven Rooks Classic, an amateur race, is organised in his honor.