Eddy Merckx

Eddy Merckx, widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, was born on June 17, 1945, in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium. Throughout his career, Merckx would come to be known as 'The Cannibal' for his relentless approach to racing and his overwhelming success in various cycling disciplines.

Eddy Merckx claimed his first victory at the prestigious Milan-San Remo cycle race on March 27, 1966. Known as 'La Primavera,' this classic race was the first of many victories for Merckx in this event, underscoring his dominance in one-day races, which complemented his stage racing prowess.

Eddy Merckx became the world road race champion on September 1, 1968, in Imola, Italy. This victory was a significant milestone in Merckx's career as it showcased his ability to compete and excel against the world's best cyclists. Wearing the rainbow jersey is a prestigious honor that few cyclists achieve, and Merckx did so with a commanding performance.

Eddy Merckx won his first Tour de France on July 20, 1969. This victory marked the beginning of Merckx's dominance in the sport as he not only won the general classification but also took home the points classification, the mountains classification, and the combativity award, showcasing his versatility and strength as a cyclist.

Eddy Merckx won his second Tour de France on July 19, 1970, further cementing his status as one of the greats of the sport. In this edition of the Tour, Merckx demonstrated incredible consistency and power, wearing the yellow jersey after stage 9 and maintaining it until the end in Paris, showcasing his incredible stamina and strategic acumen.

On October 25, 1972, Eddy Merckx set a new world hour record in Mexico City, covering a distance of 49.431 kilometers. This record was a testament to his extraordinary endurance and was considered one of the pinnacle achievements in cycling. Merckx's time of 60 minutes on the track showed his ability to push the limits of human endurance.

Eddy Merckx achieved the rare 'Triple Crown of Cycling' in 1973 by winning the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, and the Road World Championship in a single year. This feat demonstrated Merckx's unparalleled versatility and endurance, as he competed at the highest level across different types of cycling events and emerged victorious.

On July 21, 1974, Eddy Merckx won his fifth Tour de France, equaling the record for the most wins at that time. This victory was part of Merckx's incredible streak that began in 1969, and he dominated the Tour with both his climbing and time-trial abilities, holding onto the yellow jersey for the majority of the race.

Eddy Merckx announced his retirement from professional cycling on March 18, 1980. After an illustrious career, Merckx retired as one of the most victorious and revered cyclists in history, having won 11 Grand Tours, including 5 Tours de France. His retirement marked the end of an era in professional cycling.

The 2019 Tour de France celebrated its 100th anniversary Grand Départ in Belgium, with Eddy Merckx participating in the celebration as a guest of honor. This event commemorated Merckx's contributions to the sport, particularly in Belgium, and highlighted his legacy as one of the greatest Tour de France champions in history.