Legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx was recently invited to the Belgian Royal Palace, a rare honor that few people receive. The visit took place just a week before Merckx’s 80th birthday. King Filip welcomed Merckx and presented him with a special birthday gift.
Merckx expressed his gratitude after the visit. “It is a great honor to be invited here for my 80th birthday. Who would have dared to hope for that?” he told HLN. “I cherish this moment. It is unusual that people still remember me after so many years. That makes me happy. It must mean I have meant something to cycling in Belgium and to the country as a whole.”
During their meeting, the two spoke about current cycling events, especially the achievements of Belgian cyclists. Merckx noted that Remco Evenepoel made a strong impression at the Olympic Games. They also talked about family, friends, and grandchildren. “It was very pleasant,” Merckx said. “The king knows about cycling. He was also at the Olympics and shows interest in sports involving all Belgians.”
For his birthday, Merckx received three photographs. Each photo featured him with one of the three Belgian kings he has met in his lifetime. The first showed him with King Baudouin during the 1971 Tour de France. The second was with King Albert, taken when Merckx was awarded an honorary baron title. The third picture showed Merckx in the yellow jersey with King Filip. “It’s very special to have photos with all three kings I have known,” Merckx said.
Merckx is still recovering from a hip fracture sustained after a recent fall from his bike. “It is getting better, but not yet as it should be. I hope I don’t need a hip replacement. That would be a disaster,” he added.
