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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'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 •
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Eddy Merckx released from hospital following bike crash
The cycling legend had been hospitalised after a fall during a Sunday ride with friends
By Jonny Long •
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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 •
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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 •
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How they used to train: Eddy Merckx's chain gang
He might have been the greatest male road racer ever, but Eddy Merckx also built one of the best teams ever. So how did prepare them to race?
By Chris Sidwells •
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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 •
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AG2R to ride Eddy Merckx bikes next season
A legendary name returns to the WorldTour
By Paul Norman •
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The greatest Flanders win ever? How does Philippe Gilbert’s 55km solo ride measure against the greats?
Philippe Gilberts solo slog to victory at the Tour of Flandes was Merckx-esque in its daring nature, but was it the best victory in the race's history?
By Gregor Brown •
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Eddy Merckx Cycles reports multi-million euro loss in 2016
Eddy Merckx Cycles increased its sales but reported a loss of income, attributing it to less people buying bikes.
By Chris Marshall-Bell •
