Hendrik Gerardus Joseph "Joop" Zoetemelk ;[1] born 3 December 1946) is a retired professional racing cyclist from the Netherlands who has emigrated to France. He started, and finished, the Tour de France 16 times – a record. Three other riders have had more than 16 starts, but none has yet matched Zoetemelk's record of completing the event. He won the race in 1980 and also came eighth, fifth, fourth (three times) and second (six times).He was the first rider to wear the Polka Dot Jersey as the King of the Mountains and also won the world professional road championship in 1985 at 38 due to a brilliant attack with the assistance of teammates. He retired from the sport to run a hotel at Meaux, near Paris, France