Eddy Merckx, the legendary Belgian cyclist, is back on the mend and sharing his thoughts on the current state of professional cycling, particularly praising the talents of Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. At 79 years old, Merckx, who has undergone multiple surgeries following a serious hip injury, expressed his admiration for Pogacar, declaring him the best and most complete rider in the peloton today.
In a recent interview, Merckx reflected on Pogacar’s remarkable performance, especially during the Muur van Huy climb, where he seemed to leave his competitors in the dust. "The way Pogacar rode away from the rest on the Muur van Huy was unbelievable. It looked as if the others were standing still! Truly impressive," Merckx stated, highlighting the Slovenian's dominance in the sport.
Merckx noted that while Pogacar does face some competition in one-day races, he is often unbeatable in stage races, with only Jonas Vingegaard and Evenepoel posing any real challenge. "He rides at a lonely height," Merckx added, emphasizing the gap between Pogacar and the rest of the field.
Interestingly, Merckx sees similarities between himself and Pogacar, stating, "Yes, he resembles me the most. But comparing generations is tricky. Cycling today is very different from how it used to be, in terms of equipment and preparation." This perspective comes from a rider who redefined the sport in his era, winning the Tour de France five times and earning the nickname 'The Cannibal' for his insatiable appetite for victory.
Merckx also expressed his surprise at Evenepoel's early-season form, especially after the young Belgian's recovery from a serious injury sustained in December 2024 when he collided with a BPost van during a training ride. "I didn’t expect him to be in such good form already. He surprised me in the Brabantse Pijl, but even more so in the Amstel Gold Race, which is a 250-kilometre race. He’s done an amazing job so far," Merckx commented, praising Evenepoel's resilience and talent.
Despite his health struggles, which included a hip fracture that required two surgeries and a third operation for drainage, Merckx is optimistic about his recovery. "I went through three months and twelve days of real suffering, but now things are much better. I’ve even started cycling again," he shared, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport. Just last month, he was unable to do anything due to circulation issues, but he is eager to get back on the bike as the weather improves.
Merckx has expressed excitement for the upcoming Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, scheduled for April 27, 2025. He believes Pogacar is the top favorite for this prestigious event, underscoring his confidence in the young star. "When you look at how Pogacar has been riding, he’s definitely the one to beat," Merckx stated, further solidifying Pogacar’s status as a leading figure in cycling.
As the cycling world gears up for the spring classics and major tours, all eyes will be on Pogacar and Evenepoel, both of whom are poised to leave their mark on the sport. With Merckx’s endorsement, the anticipation surrounding their performances is palpable. Cycling fans around the globe will undoubtedly be tuning in to see if these two riders can live up to the high expectations set by one of the sport's greatest legends.
In conclusion, Eddy Merckx’s reflections on the current cycling landscape provide a fascinating insight into the sport’s evolution and the emerging talents that are shaping its future. With his health improving and his passion for cycling undiminished, Merckx continues to inspire both current and future generations of cyclists.
