Meet Eddy in the Clubhouse
Eddy Merckx is considered the greatest cyclist of all time being the most successful racer in competitive cycling we have seen. Eddy made 525 victories during his eighteen year career, and is one of only three riders to have won all five 'Monuments' and the only rider to have won all of them more than once.
It is with that prestige we are honoured to have the Eddy Merckx Team Fiat bike in the Clubhouse to celebrate Le Tour de France. Yes, the actual bike he rode.
On this bike Eddy Merckx had his last stage win on Stage 6 of the Tour de Suisse in 1977. He finished twelfth in the general classification of the tour de Suisse that year.
After 1976 Eddy’s cycling dominance had ended, but he competed until 1978. In 1977 Fiat (the car company) created and sponsored a team for Eddy, and with De Rosa and Kessels bike builders, the team rode bikes named after Eddy Merckx.
This bike was built by Kessels in Belgium, which is identified by the compass on the fork crowns and the grooves on the steerer. Built with Reynolds 531 steel, it is stiff and strong and weighs 9.75kgs. It is built with Campagnolo Super Record 1st Gen.
It is a privilege to show this famous bike at the MC Clubhouse during July for Le Tour. We look forward to lots of chat on Le Tour, riders and folklore inspired by this bicycle and the tremendous month-long celebration of cycling and France.
Thanks to our good mate and serial collector Peter Banco for the kind loan to our Clubhouse.
Come along to meet Eddy!