Eddy Merckx

Eddy Merckx 1966

Eddy Merckx 1967

Merckx, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Giro d'Italia 1968

Mourenx velodrome 003

Derny

Eddy Merckx (born 17 June 1945) is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, with a career that spanned from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s. Merckx, known as "The Cannibal" for his insatiable appetite for victory, dominated professional cycling like no one before or since. His achievements in the sport encompass an unparalleled array of victories across all types of races, making him a true legend in the world of professional cycling.

Early Life

Eddy Merckx was born in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium, into a family with a deep passion for cycling. His early exposure to the sport, coupled with a natural talent and determination, set the stage for what would become an illustrious career.

Career Highlights

Merckx's career highlights are numerous, reflecting his versatility and dominance across all forms of professional cycling. He won the Tour de France five times (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1974), a record that stood for decades. In addition to his Tour de France victories, Merckx also claimed five wins in the Giro d'Italia (1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, and 1974) and one in the Vuelta a España (1973), making him one of the few cyclists to win all three Grand Tours.

Merckx didn't limit his success to stage races. He also excelled in one-day classics, winning the Milan-San Remo seven times, the Paris-Roubaix three times, the Liège–Bastogne–Liège five times, and the Giro di Lombardia twice. His ability to win both long stage races and one-day classics is a testament to his versatility and endurance.

Beyond these victories, Merckx set the Hour record in 1972, covering 49.431 kilometers in one hour, a record that stood for many years. His total career victories, estimated to be over 500, make him the most successful professional cyclist in history.

Impact on Cycling

Merckx's impact on cycling goes beyond his race victories. He brought a new level of professionalism to the sport, with his meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and relentless drive for improvement. His dominance during his career also raised the profile of professional cycling, bringing it to a wider audience and elevating the status of races he competed in.

Retirement and Legacy

After retiring from professional cycling in 1978, Merckx remained active in the cycling world. He started his own bicycle company, Eddy Merckx Cycles, which has become known for high-quality racing bikes. His legacy in the sport is unmatched, and he is often involved in various cycling events and activities, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport.

Merckx's contributions to cycling have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being knighted by the King of Belgium. His name is synonymous with excellence in cycling, and his records and achievements continue to inspire cyclists around the world.

See Also

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Vuelta a España
• Professional cycling records