Eddy Merckx

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)