Joop Zoetemelk Archives

the-man-who-destroyed-merckx-but-still-lost-the-devastating-story-of-luis-ocana

The Man Who Destroyed Merckx But Still Lost: The Devastating Story of Luis Ocaña

March 28, 2025 at 2:39 pm3 min reading

Road cycling

There are certain names that will forever be enshrined with golden letters on the grand stage of cycling. Coppi, Hinault, and Induráin are just a tiny fraction of the cycling legends that still make us giddy. Still, the one most commonly referred to as the…

Why Are the Dutch, Belgians, and Danes So Good at Cycling Despite Having No Mountains?

December 14, 2023 at 12:37 pm4 min reading

Road cycling

There’s something curious about so many famous names in pro cycling coming from countries that are essentially flat. All three Grand Tours are often decided in the mountains and even cycling monuments and classics feature a lot of climbing. Let’s take a closer look at…

How Cian Uijtdebroeks’ Victory at the Tour de l’Avenir Paints a Bright Picture for the Future of the Women’s Peloton

August 30, 2022 at 5:12 am6 min reading

Road cycling

On Sunday, August 28th, Cian Uijtdebroeks of Bora-Hansgrohe claimed the top spot at the Tour de l’Avenir, the biggest stage race on the U23 racing calendar. A massive win for the emerging star, his victory has undoubtedly inspired many young women riders who recently learned…

the-fall-of-eddy-merckx-the-greatest-tour-de-france-champion

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…

luis-ocana-was-the-only-one-who-didnt-fear-the-mighty-eddy-merckx

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…