Paul Friedrichs R.I.P

[motomaniac]

Legendary factory CZ rider Paul Friedrichs has apparently passed away in hospital in his hometown of Erfurt Germany. He was the first rider to win the world title on a two stroke , first rider from an Eastern Block country under communist rule and the first rider (I think) to win 3 consecutive titles.

[VMX247]

Mid 60's rider? motomaniac    RIP CZee man!

[motomaniac]

Mid 60's rider? motomaniac    RIP CZee man!

Yes ,East Germany's and all of communist Europes most successfull rider in the 60's , 19 national titles and 3 consecutive world titles 66,67,68 .He also finished second to DeCoster in 72 ,Mikkola was third.
In 69 he was third behind Bengt Aberg and John Banks.

[TM BILL]

RIP to a great rider , i heard JVS talking about Paul Fredrichs at an after dinner speech once and Jeff spoke very highly of the man who dethroned him in 66. JVS said that in the 64 season Fredrichs was nowhere but in 2 seasons came through to win the title and as MM said defend it twice .

[firko]

Paul Friedrichs quite literally changed the 500 class by being the first 2 stroke champion. It must have been an added burden being based on the wrong side of the Berlin wall too. The old champs are dropping out pretty quickly now. Sad

[TM BILL]

http://www.motocrossmx1.com/?type=News&newsID=3047&title=Death%20of%20Paul%20Friedrichs,%20former%20FIM%20500cc%20Motocross%20World%20Champion