Belgian cycling great Eddy Merckx has been admitted to a hospital in Belgium for treatment of a persistent hip infection. The 80-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist in history, is expected to undergo surgery next week.
Merckx, nicknamed 'The Cannibal,' reported suffering "incredible pain" and sought hospital admission after a course of antibiotics proved ineffective. This procedure follows a hip fracture he sustained in December 2024 after slipping during a bike ride.
Merckx holds the record for most Grand Tour titles, with 11 across the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espana.