Andrei Tchmil treated for cancer

Cycling E3 Prijs Harelbeke TchmilAndrei Photo by Tim De WaeleGetty Images
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

Russian-born Classics legend Andrei Tchmil revealed this week that he has undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumour.

The 57-year-old remembered his Tour of Flanders victory from 2000 when he became the oldest winner of the race in a Facebook (opens in new tab) post announcing his condition.

"Dear friends, 20 years ago I won the race of my dreams. Now, twenty years on, I had to fight another opponent, who seemed unbeatable, who silently eats you up inside: cancer.

"A thousand thanks to Professor Gianluca Baiocchi and his team of doctors from Brescia, for the surgery they gave me, for the help and the great support I had. Life is a continuous race."

Tchmil was born in Russia but has competed under the flag of Ukraine and Moldova before gaining Belgian citizenship. He retired to Italy in 2002 before being appointed minister of sport for Moldova.

He also served as manager of the Katusha team until 2012.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.