Eddy Merckx Trivia Questions

Merckx’s official tally is 525 professional wins, including 11 Grand Tours, making him the most successful cyclist ever.

Merckx won the Tour de France in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1974, tying the record for most career wins in the race's history.

During stage 14 of the 1975 Tour de France, Merckx crashed on the Col d'Allos, fracturing his jaw. He remounted and finished the stage, retaining the yellow jersey for several more days before eventually losing the Tour.

He actually raced in the 1964 Olympics, finishing 13th in the road race, but turned professional shortly after, missing later Games.

Merckx founded Eddy Merckx Cycles in 1980, and the brand still produces high-end road bikes, though it’s now owned by another company.

Merckx set the hour record at 49.431 km in Mexico City in 1972. It lasted until Francesco Moser broke it in 1984.

In his last season, 1977, Merckx actually won a stage of the Tour de France, his 34th stage victory, before retiring.

No rider has ever won all three Grand Tours and all five Monuments in one year. Merckx came closest but never achieved this impossible feat.