Report: Belgian cycling legend Merckx in hospital again
Former Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx waves at the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. Kristof Van Accom/BELGA/dpa Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx is back in hospital with hip problems, the Belga news agency reported on Thursday, citing multiple sources. Belga said that 80-year-old Merckx is undergoing antibiotics treatment on an infection and will most likely require another operation.
It is the latest complication in the wake of a hip fracture he sustained in 2024 when he fell off his bike. Various complications and operations have followed since then. Merckx is among the greatest riders of all time, winning 525 races in his career 1965-1977.
He won the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia five times each, garnered three world titles and is among only three riders who have won all five cycling Monuments.