Doug Shapiro obit

1984 Coors Classic Winner Doug Shapiro Dies Following Cliff Fall In California

 

He was not on the list.

Former US professional Doug Shapiro has died following a cliff fall in Mendocino, California.

The 65 year old won the prestigious Coors Classic in 1984 and was a member of the legendary 7 Eleven team between 1985 and 1988.

He guested with the Kwantum-Decosol squad in 1985, placing 74th overall in the Tour de France and becoming just the third US rider to enter the race.

Shapiro also started the event the following year, with his Canadian teammate Alex Stieda going on to become the first North American to wear the yellow jersey. The race was a major success for the squad, with Davis Phinney winning stage 3.

Shapiro’s body was discovered on Tuesday east of Portuguese Beach, at the bottom of cliffs below trails in the Mendocino Headlands State Park.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office stated that the local Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched around 3:38 p.m. after a citizen reported a person lying motionless on the beach.

Shapiro was transported via jet-ski to the north boat launch at Big River Beach in Mendocino.

“An off-duty Emergency Room Physician happened to be near the boat launch and immediately conducted an assessment of Shapiro upon arrival to Big River Beach,” the release states.

“The Physician pronounced Shapiro deceased at 1632 hours on 01-14-2025.”

It said that deputies observed injuries consistent with a big fall and determined foul play was not suspected. A forensic pathologist will work to determine his cause and manner of death, with the Sheriff’s Office stating that it could take multiple months for that work to be finalized.

Shapiro’s next of kin was notified of his death. The Sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information to contact it at 707-463-4086.

Shapiro was one of those who paved the way for US riders competing at the Tour. He had earlier received a Congressional Gold Medal at the White House after the US team boycotted the 1980 Olympic Games. He competed in the Los Angeles Games in 1984 and raced in Europe for several seasons prior to retiring in 1989.

His other standout results included second on a stage of the GP Midi-Libre and fifth in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.

Following his retirement he worked as a consultant and expert witness in bicycle accident litigation.

Shapiro is the second former 7-Eleven rider to pass away in the past five months. In August his past teammate Nathan Dahlberg died while mountain climbing in China. The Kiwi was 59.

Velo expresses condolences to Shapiro’s family, friends and former teammates.