Eddy Merckx Biography: Olympic Medals, Height, Net Worth, Real Name, Records, Wife, Ethnicity

Édouard Louis Joseph Merckx, professionally known as Eddy Merckx, is a Belgian cyclist, a relentless competitor dubbed “The Cannibal” for devouring races across road and track from 1965 to 1978.

He amassed an unparalleled record of 525 victories in 1,585 starts, including five Tour de France titles, five Giro d’Italia wins, one Vuelta a España, all five Monuments, three world championships, and the hour record.

Merckx turned pro at 19 after junior triumphs, quickly conquering classics like Milan-San Remo and the Ronde van Vlaanderen while dominating Grand Tours with ferocity that forced rivals to concede.

Profile

• Full Name: Édouard Louis Joseph Merckx
• Stage Name: Eddy Merckx
• Born: 17 June, 1945
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium
• Nationality: Belgian
• Occupation: Professional road and track cyclist (retired)
• Height: 1.82m
• Parents: Jules Merckx and Jenny Merckx
• Siblings: Younger brother Michel Merckx and younger sister Micheline Merckx
• Spouse: Claudine Acou (m. 1967)
• Children: Axel Merckx and Sabrina Merckx
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Édouard Louis Joseph Merckx was born on June 17, 1945, in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium, son of shopkeeper Jules Merckx and Jenny Merckx amid post-war Flemish resilience.

Younger brother Michel Merckx and sister Micheline Merckx shared his upbringing. He raced bikes from age 11, skipping formal higher education for junior squads that yielded national titles by 1964. He is of Flemish roots, and has kept his religion private.

Career

Eddy Merckx stormed pro ranks in 1965 with Faema, snatching his first Tour de France green jersey and world amateur road crown before Milan-San Remo victory in 1966 signaled dominance.

He swept the 1969 Triple Crown—Giro, Tour, and world championship—crushing rivals with 18 stage wins across majors, including solo breaks that defined his insatiable style.

Classics hauls like five Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Paris-Roubaix triumphs, plus track golds, built an early legacy of 100-plus wins by decade’s end, blending climber’s punch with sprinter’s speed in an era of hardened pelotons.

Merckx peaked through the 1970s, repeating Tour wins in 1970-72 and 1974 while claiming five Giros and the 1973 Vuelta, often wearing the maillot jaune from start to finish amid doping scandals that tested his mettle.

He conquered every Monument multiple times, set the hour record at 49.431 km in 1972, and notched three rainbow jerseys, racking 278 pro victories that spanned sprints, mountains, and time trials.

Team shifts to Molteni fueled golden years, with national pride surging as Belgium’s unrivaled champion faced legends like Anquetil and Ocana.

Eddy Merckx retired in 1978 after 525 wins, transitioning to bike manufacturing with Merckx Cycles that equips pros worldwide while advising federations and inspiring retrospectives.

Records endure—most Tour stages (34), Grand Tours (11), Monuments (19)—earning Cycling Hall of Fame induction and eternal GOAT debates.

His blueprint of all-terrain mastery shapes training and tactics, cementing Flemish supremacy in cycling lore.

Social Media

Eddy Merckx does not have verified social media accounts

Personal Life

Eddy Merckx married Claudine Acou in 1967, raising son Axel Merckx—a pro cyclist—and daughter Sabrina Merckx in a tight family orbit.

He balances legacy duties with quiet Meensel-Kiezegem life, channeling racing discipline into business and health advocacy post-heart issues.

Net Worth

Eddy Merckx has an estimated net worth of $20 million. Merckx Cycles sales, endorsement legacies from peak career, and real estate from Tour bonuses build his fortune.

Prize money from 525 wins and ongoing brand value sustain wealth in cycling’s elite circles.