| Name | Eddy Merckx |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Born | June 17, 1945 in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 73 kg (161 lb) |
| Discipline | Road and Track |
| Professional career | 1965-1978 |
| Teams | Peugeot-BP-Michelin, Faema, Molteni, Scic |
| Major wins | 525 |
Eddy Merckx is largely recognized as one of cycling’s greatest ever riders. He began his professional cycling career in 1965, in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium, and swiftly climbed to prominence. In 1968, he won his first Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia, and went on to win it four more times, as well as the Tour de France five times and the Vuelta a Espaa once. He also won the Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Merckx was noted for his extraordinary work ethic and ability to excel in a wide range of racing disciplines, including sprinting, time trials, and mountain stages. He was also noted for his aggressive racing style, frequently charging opponents and causing them to run after him.
Merckx’s career, despite his many successes, was not without controversy. He was charged with doping multiple times and was temporarily barred from competing in 1969. He was also seriously injured during a race in 1972 when he was attacked by a spectator.
Merckx withdrew from professional cycling in 1978, but his legacy as one of cycling’s best athletes remains on. He is still a popular personality in the sport and can be found at major cycling events all around the world.
Eddy Merckx’s greatest achievements
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Tour de France overall winner |
| 1968 | Giro d’Italia overall winner |
| 1969 | Tour de France overall winner |
| 1970 | Tour de France overall winner |
| 1972 | Tour de France overall winner |
| 1972 | World Road Race Champion |
| 1974 | Hour record (49.431 km) |
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