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Eddie MerckxBelgian cyclist nicknamed "Cannibal".
Date of Birth: 17.06.1945
Country:  Belgium |
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Eddie Merckx: The Belgian Cyclist
Eddie Merckx, known as "The Cannibal," is a former Belgian professional cyclist and is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists in the world. He dominated the sport during his career, winning a total of 19 major world cycling races and setting several records that still stand today. Merckx's most notable achievement is his five victories in the prestigious Tour de France.
Early Career
Merckx first sat on a bicycle on July 16, 1961, when he began cycling for the Evere Kerkhoek Sportif club. He achieved his first victory in his 13th race on October 1, 1961. Within two months, Merckx moved up from the junior level to the amateur level. In 1964, he participated in the 1964 Summer Olympics, where he finished in 12th place. However, he became the amateur champion at the Sallanches Games in France the same year.
Professional Success
Merckx turned professional on April 29, 1965, after already securing 80 victories at the amateur level. He claimed his first professional victory on May 11. In December 1967, Merckx married Claudine Acou. Initially, he had to pay for all his expenses until he secured a sponsor, the Italian team "Faema," in 1968. Unfortunately, Faema showed no interest in participating in the Tour de France, which was crucial for Merckx's career.
Tour de France Victories
Merckx won his first Tour de France in 1969, despite facing health issues with an abnormal heart rhythm shortly before the tournament. He triumphed in the overall classification, points classification, mountains classification, most aggressive rider classification, and the combination classification. In 1970, Merckx achieved a similar, slightly less successful result. However, he missed out on winning the points classification. From 1971 to 1975, Merckx secured victories in three categories, and in 1975, he was awarded the prize for the most aggressive rider. He won a total of 34 stages between 1969 and 1975.
Later Life
Merckx claimed his last victory in Kluisbergen on July 17, 1977. His final race took place on March 19, 1978, where he finished 12th. Due to health issues, Merckx decided to retire from competitive cycling. He then became the director of a bicycle manufacturing factory. Merckx once stated that cycling would eventually regain its lost prominence and become a serious means of transportation. His prediction proved true as bicycles are now increasingly popular in Europe, reclaiming their space in major cities. Merckx continues to work as a commentator, providing expert analysis on RBTF. In the mid-1990s, he coached the Belgian national cycling team and held a position in the Belgian Olympic Committee. Merckx received a baron title in 1996. He currently resides in Meise, Belgium.
