Eddy Merckx, the revered Belgian former professional cyclist, who will turn 81 in July and is widely considered the greatest of all time with a record number of career victories, has been hospitalized in Belgium. He is currently receiving treatment for a severe hip infection, a complication stemming from a series of health issues that began after he fractured his hip in a fall from his bike in 2024.
Since his initial hip operation last December (referring to December 2023 for logical flow with “since then”), Merckx has faced numerous challenges with his hip prosthesis. He has already undergone six surgical procedures, with a seventh reportedly scheduled for next Monday. Merckx revealed to Het Nieuwsblad that he is experiencing “incredible pain” and that intensive antibiotic treatment has not been effective.
Known throughout his career as ‘the Cannibal,’ Eddy Merckx amassed an astounding 525 race victories between 1965 and 1978. His unparalleled record includes 11 Grand Tour wins and 19 Monuments, achievements that remain unmatched to this day, even as contemporary riders like Tadej Pogacar openly express ambitions to rival his legendary figures.