Eddy Merckx celebrates his 70th birthday today, and his unbeatable career is celebrated by cycling fans, former teammates and even current riders around the world. Merckx revealed that his best birthday present was a 70km ride with some of his friends, including the former teammates, who helped him win the 525 races, including Classics and Grand Tours, that make him the most successful rider in the history of professional cycling.
Merckx was feted at home in Belgium, where he remains an iconic figure and the country's biggest sports star. During a special event he was presented with a special limited edition EDDY70 bike made by the Merckx bike company. Only 70 have been produced, with Eddy given bike number 1.
“When I was a boy I dreamed about becoming a rider. Then as a rider I wanted to become a champion. That made me even hungrier... so much so that the daughter of a rider called me the Cannibal. She said because I just left the crumbs to my rivals,” Merckx told Italian journalist Marco Pastonesi in an intimate interview for Gazzetta dello Sport.
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“After my racing career I realised that cycling would be part of my life for ever. No longer as a rider on the road but as a bike builder, first in the factory and now as an ambassador, of course surrounded by my former teammates and my friends.”
Despite some health issues and turning 70, Merckx remains active and keeps fit. He recently rode the Eddy Merckx Gran Fondo in Italy and will ride a similar event in the Netherlands later this month.
“Being curious and passionate help you to stay young, at least inside,” Merckx said.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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