Édouard Louis Joseph Merckx, better known as Eddy Merckx, is regarded as one of the greatest cyclists ever due to his stellar career. The Belgian, nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his exceptional ability to compete in various cycling events, has achieved remarkable victories, including three Road Cycling World Championships, five Giro d’Italia titles, three Tour de France wins, and one Tour of Spain. He has also triumphed in all five Cycling Monuments: Tour of Flanders, Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Giro di Lombardia.
In 1974, he accomplished the Triple Crown, a rare feat where a cyclist wins the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and World Cup in the same year—an achievement matched by very few, including Irishman Stephen Roche. His dedication and physical prowess have made him a cycling legend, and his humility and charisma have earned him the affection of fans. If you’re a cycling enthusiast interested in the personal and professional life of one of the sport’s all-time greats, this post is for you!
1. Where and when was Eddy Merckx born?
Eddy Merckx was born on June 17, 1945, in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium. His parents owned a greengrocer in the Woluwe-Saint-Pierre area of Brussels, where they moved when he was young. Eddy has often mentioned growing up in a humble environment, where he and his brothers learned the values of hard work and perseverance from their parents.
2. When did he first get a bicycle?
At the age of 8, Eddy’s parents bought him a second-hand road bike, fueling his passion for cycling. He was inspired by Stan Ockers, a Belgian cyclist known for his Tour de France successes.
3. Did you know he struggled in school?
Eddy wasn’t particularly fond of school, preferring sports like tennis, soccer, and basketball. His poor academic performance led him to drop out at a young age, despite his father’s initial reservations. His father ultimately supported his decision to pursue cycling.
4. When did he begin his cycling career?
Eddy entered his first race at 16 in Laeken, Brussels, and achieved his first victory three years later in the Amateur World Championship. He turned professional the following year and quickly gained recognition, earning the nickname “The Cannibal.” By 1970, he was named the world’s best athlete, and in 1972, he set the world hour record.
5. When did Eddy Merckx retire?
Eddy’s final race as a professional cyclist was in 1977 at the Cycling World Championship in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. After contemplating his performance, he announced his retirement the following year, citing fatigue.
6. What did he do post-retirement?
After retiring in 1978, Eddy launched a bicycle brand named after himself. By 1980, he began producing Belgian-designed professional road bikes, known for their quality and style, with prices ranging from 700 to 7000 euros.
7. How many children does he have?
Eddy has two children, Sabrina and Axel, from his marriage to Claudine Acou in 1967. Axel followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful cyclist, winning multiple Tour de France titles and representing Belgium in the Olympics.
8. Do you know about his grandson?
His daughter Sabrina married Argentine tennis player Eduardo Massó, giving birth to Luca Massó, Eddy’s grandson, who is a professional field hockey player and won a gold medal with the Argentine team.
9. Did you know he co-owned the Tour of Qatar?
In addition to his bike brand, Eddy was involved in various cycling projects, including serving as director of the Belgian Cycling Team and co-owning the Tour of Qatar starting in 2002.
10. When did he face doping allegations?
In 1969, during the Giro d’Italia, Eddy was disqualified for testing positive for amphetamines. After appealing, the UCI lifted the ban, suggesting it might have been a mistake. Speculation arose that the Italian Federation had conspired to help another cyclist win.
Eddy Merckx’s dedication, talent, and passion have solidified his place in cycling history, with over 500 career victories, including the prestigious Triple Crown. His career is exemplary and deserving of all the accolades he has received.