Eddy Merckx
Many consider Eddy Merckx to not only be the finest rider of his generation, but also the finest rider in the history of professional cycle racing.
The Belgian won pretty much everything there was to win - and often many times over. From Grand Tours to Classics, Merckx amassed a total of 525 victories in a career that spanned the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s.
In the mountains, on the flat, in sprints, on the cobbles - whatever the terrain, 'The Cannibal' showed no weakness. Merckx belongs to an elite club of riders who have won the Tour de France five times, and he holds the record for the most Tour stage wins: 34. He also won the Giro d'Italia five times, and the Vuelta a España once.
Merckx conquered every major one-day race, with victories in Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the Tour of Lombardy and the world championships.
Merckx's involvement with cycling continued after his retirement from racing in 1978, with his eponymously-named bicycle company, his involvement with race organisation and as an ambassador for the sport.
For a list of Merckx's victories, visit the Eddy Merckx Rider Profile page.
Latest
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'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
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'I think he can do better than me': Eddy Merckx heaps praise on Tadej Pogačar
Belgian legend expects Pogačar to surpass his record in some races
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
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'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
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Eddy Merckx says that if Belgium have one leader for World Championships Evenepoel should not ride
The Belgian cycling legend has said that the young talent is not fit to ride in a support role for Wout van Aert
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
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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
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Eddy Merckx interview
We take a look back through the Cycle Sport archives for an interview with Merckx from 2004
By Cycling Weekly Published
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Merckx backs Contador's Giro-Tour bid; Sky's Lopez not sure it will go ahead
Eddy Merckx says there's no reason why Alberto Contador can't win both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in the same season
By Stuart Clarke Published
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Eddy Merckx: the man behind the legend
Winner of over 500 races, era-defining rider, son of a grocer and a grandfather just turned 71. Who is the real Eddy Merckx?
By Richard Abraham Published
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Merckx: Bradley Wiggins 'cannot afford to fail' in Hour Record ride
Wiggins will risk his reputation if he takes on the Hour, says Eddy Merckx
By Gregor Brown Published