User:Shearonink/Leo Verberkt

Leo Verbekt (1922 or 1923 - 7 December 1936) was a Dutch track cyclist from Eindhoven.

Verberkt was scouted in early 1934 by Janus van der Horst. In the winter of 1934 he moved to Antwerp, Belgium to start training with elite cyclists. In 1935 he won most of the races in Antwerp. In early 1936 he was selected by the Dutch cycling union to compete in Copenhagen, Denmark, as a preparation for the 1936 Summer Olympics and 1936 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. But in Copenhagen he suffered a skull fracture as a result of a fall. He had to rehabilitate for a few months and couldn't compete at the Olympics and World Championships. He made his come-back in July 1936 during local competitions in Eindhoven, winning several races. It took some time to regain his old level and had after his come-back his first victory at elite level in November 1936.

On 7 December 1936 he trained outdoors on the "Aalsterweg" near Eindhoven. When he moved next to a truck, he was hit by an oncoming bus. He died on the way to the hospital, aged 23.