German Cyclist Rolf Wolfshohl Dies at 85

German cyclist Rolf Wolfshohl, a former champion of the Vuelta a España and three-time world champion, has died at the age of 85, his family told the German News Agency on Thursday.

Wolfshohl won the Vuelta a España in 1965, becoming one of three German cyclists to win the prestigious race, alongside Rudi Altig and Jan Ullrich, who won in 1962 and 1999, respectively.

He also claimed the world title in cyclo-cross in 1960, 1961, and 1963.

Wolfshohl gained significant recognition in the Tour de France, winning a stage in 1967 and another in 1970.

French fans affectionately nicknamed him “the wolf.”

The German Cycling Federation described Wolfshohl as “one of the greatest cyclists.”

The cause of death is not yet clear, but the German Cycling Federation noted that Wolfshohl had been in poor health in recent years.

He lost his son, Rolf Dieter, in 2011, and his daughter passed away a few years ago.