“At 80, I am still fighting for every breath.” – Eddy Merckx’s emotional revelation and Jonas Vingegaard’s unforgettable gesture
The world of cycling was shaken to its core when Belgian legend Eddy Merckx, often hailed as the greatest cyclist of all time, made a deeply emotional statement about his declining health. At 80 years old, the man who earned the nickname “The Cannibal” for his relentless hunger for victory revealed that he has been struggling with serious respiratory problems. “At 80, I am still fighting for every breath,” Merckx confessed during an intimate interview broadcast on Belgian television. His voice trembled as he added, “My body is no longer what it used to be, but my spirit is still fighting. I just hope I can get back on the bike one last time… Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be part of your lives.”
For fans around the world, those words hit like a thunderclap. Eddy Merckx is not just a name in the history books—he is a symbol of dominance, discipline, and passion. With 11 Grand Tour victories, 525 professional wins, and countless records that still stand today, he redefined the very essence of cycling. To hear that the man who once conquered every mountain and sprint is now struggling simply to breathe left millions heartbroken. Messages of love and support poured in from fellow athletes, fans, and former rivals alike.
But it was the gesture of young Danish champion Jonas Vingegaard that brought the cycling world to tears. Just hours after Merckx’s revelation, Vingegaard posted a message on social media accompanied by a short video: “For the man who taught us all to fight.” In the video, the Tour de France winner was seen placing a vintage Molteni jersey—the iconic orange kit worn by Merckx—on his bike before riding a symbolic solo lap in his honor. Vingegaard later explained that he would dedicate his next race to Merckx, saying, “He showed us that cycling is not just about strength, but about heart. I ride for him now.”
The tribute quickly went viral, with thousands of fans joining an online campaign called #RideForEddy, encouraging cyclists around the world to take a short ride in Merckx’s honor. From Brussels to Buenos Aires, people posted photos of themselves cycling in orange, the color forever associated with “The Cannibal.”
Merckx, visibly moved by the wave of affection, later responded through his family: “It gives me strength to know that people still think of me. Jonas’s gesture was beyond words. I’m proud of the new generation. They carry the same love for the sport that I always had.”
For many, this moment transcended sport. It was a bridge between eras—the aging legend who built the foundation of modern cycling and the young champion who carries that legacy forward. As Eddy Merckx continues his fight against illness, one thing remains clear: his spirit still rides on in every cyclist who dares to dream, to push, and to fight for every breath.
