Russian-born Classics legend Andrei Timir revealed this week that he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.

In a post on Facebook (opens in new tab), the 57-year-old Timir recalled that he was the oldest winner of the 2000 Tour de Flanders.

"Dear friends, 20 years ago I won the race of my dreams, now 20 years later I had to fight another opponent who seemed unbeatable.

"To Prof. Gianluca Baiocchi and the team of doctors in Brescia, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your surgery, for your help and support. Life is a continuous race.

Timir was born in Russia but competed under the flags of Ukraine and Moldova before taking Belgian citizenship; after retiring in Italy in 2002, he was appointed Moldovan minister of sports.

He also coached the Katusha team until 2012.