Eddy Merckx's former coach dies aged 94
Cycling great Eddy Merckx has returned to Belgium from the Tour of Oman after learning of the death of his father-in-law and former coach Lucien Acou


The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Belgian cycling great Eddy Merckx left the Tour of Oman, which he co-organises, overnight on Monday after hearing his former national coach and father-in-law had died.
Merckx was coached by Lucien Acou before going on to dominate cycling in the 1960s and 1970s. Through his coach, who was 94, he met his wife Claudine.
The pre-race press conference for the Tour of Oman began one hour late on Monday. "He fell, it's bad," Merckx told Cycling Weekly afterwards. A visibly upset Merckx then left with his son Axel for the nine-hour flight from Muscat to Brussels.
Acou reportedly became ill while going to retrieve the newspaper from the mailbox and fell. He is survived by his 95-year-old wife and daughter Claudine.
Merckx began racing in 1965 and shot to the top with victories in nearly every race. He won all three grand tours, the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France five times each, and every major classic.
In the Middle East, he co-organises the Tour of Qatar and Tour of Oman stage races with Dirk De Pauw. Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) won the Tour of Qatar on Friday. The Tour of Oman began today without Merckx.
Merckx may return on Friday ahead of the final two stages. It is a critical moment for him and De Pauw, who are trying to renew the race's contract for three more years with the capital city of Muscat.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
Primož Roglič confirms he will leave Jumbo-Visma
Giro d'Italia champion does not reveal his destination for 2024 yet, though
By Adam Becket Published
-
Dr Hutch: The aesthetics of the 'chest-fairing' is a funny hill to want to die on
The earnest buffoonery of budget aero hacks may rile TT diehards, but Cycling Weekly's columnist salutes the cut-price cunning of their innovations
By Michael Hutchinson Published
-
Eddy Merckx 'wouldn't have had a problem' with Cavendish beating his Tour de France stage victory record
The 'Manx Missile' equalled the great Belgian's record at the Grand Boucle as he won four stages
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'He turned pro too early': Eddy Merckx just can't stop commenting on Evenepoel
The cycling legend has happily voiced his opinion on the young Belgian multiple times during the rider's short career
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'My respect and appreciation for him is enormous, apparently is not mutual': Remco Evenepoel responds to Eddy Merckx's comments
Merckx recently spoke out against the young Belgians selection for the World Championships road race
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
How they used to train: Eddy Merckx’s pre-1969 Tour de France week
How the Cannibal trained to get ready for his first Tour de France win in the 1969 edition of the race
By Chris Sidwells Published
-
'Doctors don't know what happened' as Eddy Merckx continues recovery from fall
The Belgian is still not yet one hundred per cent better after his accident in October
By Jonny Long Published
-
Eddy Merckx suffered haemorrhage during crash and will remain in hospital for next few days
The 74-year-old was taking part in his regular Sunday bike ride with friends before falling
By Jonny Long Published
-
Eddy Merckx in hospital with head injury after bike crash
Merckx's wife says his condition is good, but when he can leave hospital is not yet clear
By Jonny Long Published
-
Eddy Merckx corruption case dropped by Belgian authorities
Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx will not faces charges over allegations he was involved in bribing police.
By Alex Ballinger Published