Bernard Thévenet Archives

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The Fall of Eddy Merckx, One of the Greatest Tour de France Champions

June 30, 2021 at 1:39 pm6 min reading

Road cycling

Coming into the 1975 Tour de France, Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx seemed invincible. He won the last five Tours he entered and was the favourite to win again and claim his 6th title. But an unexpected turn of events changed the trajectory of one of…

Merckx Versus the World at the 1971 Tour de France

September 21, 2020 at 9:59 am5 min reading

Road cycling

Merckx was nicknamed the Cannibal for a reason. He won everything. Not just all of the Grand Tours, classics, and championships but also small criteriums and exhibitions. He was envied by many for his accomplishments and big paychecks. Could all of his top competitors combine…

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Luis Ocaña Was the Only One Who Didn’t Fear the Mighty Eddy Merckx

July 26, 2018 at 6:58 am6 min reading

Road cycling

History books may say that the 1971 Tour de France was won by the Cannibal. And Eddy Merckx was indeed the first rider to cross the finish line in Paris, for the third time in a row that year. But those who watched the race…