RIP: Andre “Dédé” Malherbe
Three-time world champion André Malhebre is no more. The beloved dirt bike from Huy turned 66. Malherbe will forever be associated with the heyday of HRC-Honda in the 80s. The fast Belgian had style and charisma in abundance, André also had fans from all over the world.
After 2 titles in the FIM European Championship 125cc in 1973 and 1974 on Zündapp, Malherbe switched to the quarter-liters. That 1255cc championship was upgraded to World Championship status in 1975. In 1977 he won the first of three Motocross of Nations titles with the Belgian team. When he switched to the premier class, the 1978c, in 500, everything accelerated. He won the 1980cc world title in 1981, 1984 and 500. In total, “Dédé” was on the highest podium no fewer than 28 times.
Malherbe was not only fast and stylish on the track. As one of the first European riders, he paid attention to his image. For example, he caused a revolution in 1980 by wearing bright white racing clothes. Something that was absolutely not done at that time. Many other groundbreaking pieces of equipment would follow. Only due to bad luck and injury, Malherbe's record was not even more extensive.
After Honda did not extend his contract for 1987, “Hollywood” said goodbye to the Motocross World Championship. After one successful season in motorsport in which he won the French F3000 title, he started a new challenge. As a rookie he goes to the Dakar with the professional Sonauto Yamaha team. However, disaster struck hard in that mythical desert race in early 1988. Malherbe falls and becomes severely paralyzed. He was barely 31 at the time.
From then on, André Malherbe only has feeling in his head and neck. His life was really hanging by a thread. The rehabilitation is very difficult because the former top athlete has suddenly become "a plant" in the popular parlance and has to learn everything all over again. Friends such as Jean-Claude Laquaye (photo above) and daughter Cassandra continue to support him unconditionally. Although pain and hardship become part of his daily life, the spirited Malherbe continues to fight.
André rarely or never complains and over time he reconnects with his beloved sport. Friends or journalists such as Gerald Wéry (RTBF) sometimes invite him to a GP. Gentleman Malherbe is always affable and saw with pleasure how, with Clément Desalle, a strong young Walloon finally emerged again in the Motocross World Championship. André Malherbe, born on March 21, 1956, died on Thursday, November 24, 2022.
Tekst: Editorial office
Photos: Archive
Also to read
Gajser narrowly takes pole ahead of Herlings, Prado P7
Tim Gajser took pole position during the fifth race of the FIM MXGP World Championship. The Honda rider (photo) wins the qualifying race ahead of Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre. Brian Bogers and…Everts takes pole in Agueda ahead of Elzinga
The fifth “RAM Qualifying Race” of the season was won by Liam Everts. The Belgian rider wins pole for the Portuguese Grand Prix by a wide margin. Rick…Valk the best mud master in Agueda
Under very wet conditions, Cas Valk won the first round of the third race of the European 250cc Championship. The KTM rider managed to…Zanocz wins the first heat ahead of Doensen
In a rainy Agueda, Noel Zanocz won the first round of the third race of the European 125cc Championship Presented by FMF Racing! The Fantic rider won ahead of KTM rider…
Your reactions