Eddy Merckx, The Cannibal

Nicknamed "The Cannibal" or the "Ogre of Tervuren" for his insatiability, Eddie Merckx is often considered the greatest cyclist in history.

Eddie Merckx started his career as a racing cyclist on 16 July 1961 in Laeken. While the years 1965-1968 can be considered as his rise to the top, from 1969 to 1975 was the Merckx era where he largely dominated international cycling, wining most of the races he entered. An all-round cyclist, he excelled in the grand tours and the classics, but also in time trials, criteriums and the end of season six-day events.

In March 1980, Eddy Merckx created his cycle brand, "Eddy Merckx Cycles". He managed the company for 30 years, selling it in 2008. He was also a selector for the Belgian elite men's road and cyclo-cross teams from 1986 to 1997.

A consultant for RTBF for cycle race programmes, until 2004 he also organised the "Grand Prix Eddy Merckx", a time-trial race around Brussels which brought together some of the best specialists in the discipline.

Eddy Merckx is the most successful Belgian cyclist and as such is considered one of, if not the greatest, cyclist in the history of this sport. The achievements of this outstanding Belgian: 5 Tours de France, 5 Giro d'Italia, 3 road world championships, one Vuelta a España, the hour record and 31 classic wins.

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