René Baeten
René Gommarus Desire Baeten (10 June 1927, in Herentals – 5 June 1960, in Stekene)[1] was a Belgian professional motocross racer. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1947 to 1960. Baeten is notable for winning the 1958 500cc Motocross World Championship.[2] In 1958, Baeten was named the recipient of the Belgian National Sports Merit Award. In 1953 and 1954, Baeten finished second in the 500cc European motocross championships to Auguste Mingels.[3][4] In 1957, the F.I.M. upgraded the competition to world championship status, and again Baeten would finish in second place, this time to Bill Nilsson on an AJS motorcycle.[5] In 1958, Baeten would ride an FN motorcycle to claim the 500cc motocross world championship, defeating Nilsson and Sten Lundin.[6] He was honored for his achievement with the 1958 Belgian National Sports Merit Award. Baeten was killed in a racing accident in 1960.[7] References
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