Celebrating the 79th birth anniversary of late Polish Olympian and cycling legend Ryszard Szurkowski.
Ryszard Szurkowski (1946-2021) remains one of Poland’s greatest cycling icons. Born in Świebodów, near Milicz, his illustrious career spanned from local beginnings to global acclaim. A self-taught athlete, Szurkowski became the first Pole to win the individual road race world title in 1973, a feat that inspired generations.
Olympic Glory and International Triumphs
Szurkowski’s Olympic achievements include two silver medals in team road races at the 1972 Munich and 1976 Montreal Games. A four-time winner of the prestigious Peace Race (1970, 1971, 1973, 1975), he also claimed three world championship titles—one individual and two team.
A Career Beyond Racing
After retiring, Szurkowski served as a national coach and developed Poland’s first professional cycling team. His contributions to sports extended beyond cycling, earning him numerous honors, including the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.
Szurkowski’s resilience, talent, and dedication elevated Polish cycling to international prominence, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy lives on.