Eddy Merckx: The Ageless Cycling Phenomenon and His Doping Saga
Largest Known Cannibal of Bicycles Identified
Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | E-Mail | Print | Copy Link-----------------------------------------------------|-----------|-------------|--------------|--------------|---------------|----------Eddy Merckx, Cycling's OG and the Cannibal, celebrates his 80th birthday, his legendary victories still eclipsing even Tadej Pogacar's record-breaking accomplishments.
Today, the 8th of June, we honor Edouard "Eddy" Merckx, a man who has left an indelible mark on cycling, turning 80. Known as the Cannibal, Belgian's first sports deity, and an opinionated figure, Merckx is a household name in the cycling world, adored despite his turbulent past.
Everyone who's ever dabbled in cycling in the past six decades will recall his name. The legend of the man from Meensel-Kiezegem spans an almost heroic success story.
Royal Audiences
"Life's most precious moments revolve around my five Tour victories, five Giro victories, a Vuelta, all the classics, my world championship titles, and my hour record," reveals Merckx. With an impressive 525 victories under his belt in an 18-year spree, the Cannibal is unparalleled in the annals of modern cycling, even by the likes of Mark Cavendish, the sport's second-best rider with far fewer accolades.
Since the Belgians worship Merckx as the embodiment of royalty and the cycling world's golden god, it comes as no surprise that Belgium's King Philippe will greet him on Thursday, showering him with congratulations. "His recognition fills my heart with joy," says the birthday boy, but there's a hint of melancholy as he ponders the passage of time: "My glory days are long gone."Yet, his legacy remains in the hearts and minds of the people.
In 2019, the Tour de France inaugurated its grand tour in Brussels, marking a celebration of the city where Merckx had previously achieved an unprecedented series of victories 50 years prior. The gargantuan crowd invoked a mixed feeling of discomfort in the humble champion: "At times, it's hard being Eddy Merckx in Belgium."
Tainted Legacy
Belgium's adoration for Merckx knows no bounds, even when it comes to his darker chapters. In 1969, the Cannibal was controversially banned from the Giro d'Italia after a doping scandal marred his victory during the sixteenth stage. Testing positive for fencamfamine, an amphetamine, the decision was later lifted by the UCI. Further doping allegations followed Merckx in 1973 and 1977, further staining his legacy.
However, the pride and reverence for Merckx amongst his native Belgians overshadow these indiscretions. Guy Roger's biography of Merckx hints at the dodgy dealings only as a footnote, emphasizing the virtues of passion, respect, and humility as his pillars of success.
Merckx himself addresses his genetic advantage as the driving force behind his success: "I was blessed with an extraordinary genetic endowment by my parents and ancestors – passion, humility, and respect were the keys to my success."
A Missed Rivalry
Merckx would have appreciated the opportunity to race against the extant generation of cyclists, finds himself lamenting: "I would have loved nothing more than to compete against the cyclists of today. My desire to test myself against them remains unfulfilled."
The Cannibal, despite his tainted legacy, continues to tow the line as a cycling legend, his riveting victories and numerous records serving as an inspiration for generations yet to take on the cycling world.
The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation, acknowledging Eddy Merckx's undisputed influence as a pioneer of cycling, especially in Europe.
In sports, the debate continues about the impact of doping on legendary athletes, with Eddy Merckx's competitive record and controversies serving as a prime example in the cycling world.
