Houbrechts was a professional cyclist between 1965 and 1980. He also achieved many successes as an amateur. In 1968, he won the Tour of Andalusia and the Tour of Portugal. In 1970, he won the Italian stage race Tirreno-Adriatico. For several years, he was the master servant of his contemporary Felice Gimondi.

Also in 1970, he finished eighth in the Tour de France. A year later, he finished eighth in the Giro d’Italia. He also achieved many honorary places in various tours and the Flemish classics.

After his cycling career, he was a municipal worker. In Limburg, he also helped to establish a semi-professional cycling team. In early 2007, he returned to the press due to alleged involvement in a drug case.