Overview

• Eddy Merckx amassed 525 career victories, including five Tour de France and five Giro d’Italia titles, cementing his status as the sport’s most decorated cyclist.
• King Philippe hosted Merckx at Laeken Palace and Belgian broadcasters have dedicated special programming to honor his milestone birthday.
• A December training crash resulted in a prosthetic hip and ongoing heart issues that have periodically limited his riding capacity.
• Merckx has publicly criticized modern cycling’s reliance on digital technology and social media pressures in contrast to the demands of his competitive years.
• Despite health constraints, he continues to engage with the cycling world through commentary and by celebrating the achievements of new champions.