Jan de Vries, two-time world champion in the 50 class, has died suddenly at the age of 77 following a heart attack. The Dutch rider passed away in his hometown of Purmerend on Thursday 14 January.

The winner of 14 Grand Prix, Jan De Vries also reached the podium on 27 occasions, which makes him the most successful Dutch speed rider of all time, closely followed by Egbert Streuer, the winner of three sidecar championships.

The championship "shared" with Nieto

Born on 5 January 1944, he was recruited by Van Veen in the late 60s. In 1967 he won the Dutch national title and in 1971 De Vries won his first world championship in the 50 class, a feat he repeated two years later, in 1973, again with a Van Veen Kreidler.

His rivalry with Angel Nieto was legendary, the pair sharing a world title in 1972. At the end of the season the two riders had the same number of points and so the title came down to a time calculation, which saw Nieto win by just 21 seconds and 3 tenths. In 1972, Jan De Vries consoled himself with a second national title.

The Dutch rider continued to ride the Kridler throughout his career in the cadet class. He also made three appearances in the 125 class, aboard MZ, scoring seven points in all in 1970.

De Vries retired from competition in 1973, having won his second world title.

Following his success as a rider, the Dutch champion worked with Van Veen for ten years, preparing race bikes. This even saw him become a mechanic for his biggest rival, Angel Nieto, who was crowned 1975 world champion in the 50cc class aboard a Van Veen-Kreidler.

Motosprint extends its condolences to the family and friends of Jan Van De Vries.

Translated by Heather Watson

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