Eddy Merckx Turns 81: Son Axel Leads Birthday Tributes

Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, celebrated his 81st birthday on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. His son, former professional cyclist Axel Merckx, marked the occasion with a touching Instagram tribute that resonated deeply with fans across Belgium and the cycling world.

Axel Merckx, 53, who recently married multiple world champion cyclist Lotte Kopecky, posted a photo of his father helping him with his wedding suit alongside a heartfelt message. “A happy 81st birthday. 81 years of strength and love. I am so grateful for all the lessons, funny moments and memories. We celebrate you today and always. You are an absolute legend,” he wrote, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.

A Year of Challenges and Family Milestones

The birthday celebration carries particular poignancy this year. Eddy Merckx endured a difficult 2025, undergoing six surgeries after complications from a hip replacement procedure. According to his son Axel, who spoke to La Capitale in February 2026, the recovery has been “slow but in the right direction.” As of early May 2026, Merckx had returned home from hospital and was able to ride indoor rollers, though he remained eager to get back outside on his bike.

His health challenges also meant he was unable to attend the church ceremony when Axel married Lotte Kopecky in late May or early June 2026. The couple held a civil ceremony in Bruges followed by a church wedding in Laken. The Instagram photo — showing Eddy helping his son with his wedding suit — offered a poignant glimpse into the family’s recent milestones.

Axel had previously provided an update on his father’s condition in February 2026, telling Wielerkrant that the recovery was progressing steadily. “It’s going slowly, but in the right direction,” he said at the time, noting that his father was impatient to return to outdoor cycling as the weather improved.

A Legacy Unmatched in Cycling

Born on June 17, 1945, in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium, Eddy Merckx earned the nickname “The Cannibal” for his relentless appetite for victory. His career statistics remain unmatched: 525 professional victories, including five Tour de France titles, five Giro d’Italia wins, one Vuelta a Espana, three World Road Race Championships, and all five Monuments classics.

His 1969 Tour de France victory was particularly historic — the first Belgian Tour win in 30 years — and he won by nearly 18 minutes. A near-fatal crash on the track in Blois later that year, which tragically killed his pacemaker, affected his climbing ability but did not stop him from continuing to dominate the sport. In 1972, he set the World Hour Record at 49.431 kilometers in Mexico City, a mark that stood for over a decade.

Public Affection Endures

The birthday prompted an outpouring of affection from the Belgian public. Readers commenting on HLN described Merckx as “our national pride” and noted that “our entire generation remains proud that Eddy colored our sports world in our younger years.” Another fan wrote: “We got to experience his career and no one has colored our sports events more since then. Happy birthday Eddy and thank you for your fantastic achievements.”

Notably, June 17 is also the birthday of another Belgian cycling icon, Sven Nys, the legendary cyclocross champion who celebrated his own milestone alongside Merckx.

Looking Ahead

This birthday marks Merckx’s first since welcoming Lotte Kopecky into the family, and comes as he continues his recovery at home. While his public appearances remain limited due to health considerations, the warmth of the tributes — from family, fans, and the cycling community — underscores his enduring status as one of Belgium’s most beloved figures.

As Merckx himself reflected on his 80th birthday last year in an interview with Sporza: “I turned my passion into a profession. Nothing more beautiful exists.” He added: “Good health, that’s the most important thing, right? And many more beautiful cycling races to enjoy on television.” His legacy, built on a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, continues to inspire new generations of cyclists and fans alike.