Eddy Merckx hospitalised after bike crash
79-year-old cycling legend required to undergo surgery on broken hip
Legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx has broken his hip in a “stupid” cycling accident in Belgium, his wife has said.
The 79-year-old crashed his bike on Monday afternoon, falling in a town on the outskirts of the city of Mechelen. He was assisted at the scene by onlookers, who phoned for an ambulance for the five-time Tour de France champion.
Confirming the news to Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad, Merckx’s wife Claudine said it was a “stupid accident”.
“There were no other road users involved,” she said. “Eddy just skidded away. Luckily, he wasn’t alone, because Eddy felt a sharp pain. He knew right away what time it was, and that suspicion was also confirmed in the hospital: he broke his hip. Eddy now has to undergo surgery.”
Merckx’s surgery is organised to take place in the hospital in Herentals, where double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel was operated on last week. The 24-year-old was doored by van driver while out training, and fractured his rib, shoulder blade and hand.
Evenepoel also dislocated his collarbone and suffered contusions to his lungs.
Earlier this year, Merckx was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery on an intestinal obstruction. The former pro had experienced stomach pain during the night, and the decision was made to remove a section of his intestine. His recovery, at the time, was said to be “peaceful” by Het Laatste Nieuws.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The 79-year-old Belgian is considered by many to be the greatest cyclist of all time. As well as his five Tour de France titles – the joint most of any rider – he won 34 stages of the French Grand Tour and three road world titles. He also won the Giro d’Italia five times, Paris-Roubaix three times and Milan-San Remo seven times.
Merckx retired in 1978, marking the end of a 13-year career.
In late 2019, then 74 years old, the Belgian suffered a head injury when he fell off his bike on a ride with his friends.
“If you’d seen what I went through, then you’d know that I was very lucky,” he told Sporza at the time. "If it wasn't for the coincidence that a nurse had been passing by, I think it might have been the end for me."
On that occasion, Merckx remained in hospital for five days.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is fluent in French and Spanish, and holds a master's degree in International Journalism, which he passed with distinction. Since 2020, he has been the host of The TT Podcast, offering race analysis and rider interviews.
An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill, and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. His best result is 28th in a hill-climb competition, albeit out of 40 entrants.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
We’re launching a commenting system on our site - here’s how to join the conversation on Cycling Weekly
We’re launching our commenting community on CW
By Cycling Weekly Published
-
Volunteers needed to help revive UK racing scene
A shortage of volunteers and accredited marshals has left race organisers in limbo
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Coppi, Pantani, Van Vleuten, Pogačar: A look at the Giro-Tour double winners club
Tadej Pogačar has now officially joined the club, becoming the eighth man to achieve one of professional cycling’s most sought after accolades
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'Such a nice guy to break my record' - Eddy Merckx congratulates Mark Cavendish on his historical achievement
Greatness recognizes greatness, and there is absolutely no respect lost between cycling legends Eddy Merckx and Mark Cavendish.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Eddy Merckx 'wouldn't have had a problem' with Cavendish beating his Tour de France stage victory record
The 'Manx Missile' equalled the great Belgian's record at the Grand Boucle as he won four stages
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'He turned pro too early': Eddy Merckx just can't stop commenting on Evenepoel
The cycling legend has happily voiced his opinion on the young Belgian multiple times during the rider's short career
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'My respect and appreciation for him is enormous, apparently is not mutual': Remco Evenepoel responds to Eddy Merckx's comments
Merckx recently spoke out against the young Belgians selection for the World Championships road race
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
How they used to train: Eddy Merckx’s pre-1969 Tour de France week
How the Cannibal trained to get ready for his first Tour de France win in the 1969 edition of the race
By Chris Sidwells Published
-
'Doctors don't know what happened' as Eddy Merckx continues recovery from fall
The Belgian is still not yet one hundred per cent better after his accident in October
By Jonny Long Published
-
Eddy Merckx suffered haemorrhage during crash and will remain in hospital for next few days
The 74-year-old was taking part in his regular Sunday bike ride with friends before falling
By Jonny Long Published