This photo is perhaps the greatest of all time; it shows The Prophet riding in the 1969 Ronde van Vlaanderen, kit and machine perfect. Rule #9 conditions in abundance. He’s gone off the front with some 80km left to race, which predictably sent his directeur into a rage. Ordered to return to the bunch, Merckx calmly suggested he go screw himself. It would be a dishonor to sit up and wait for the bunch when there was still strength in his legs. He stayed away to the finish.
Long, kamikaze breakaways were his bread and butter. The idea that he might wait for the last climb or make a shrewd tactical move were completely foreign to him; whether in the leaders jersey or not, if his legs itched, he pushed on the pedals and left the bunch behind – no matter how far it was to the finish and how great his lead already was. That is class. That is panache That is an example for the conservative modern rider. Classy, stylish, obsessive, meticulous, and devastatingly tough. The Prophet was a unique animal, the perfect combination of what lies at the core of the Velominati and The V. We each endeavor to uphold the standard he laid down during his career and since.
The Keepers would like to join each of you today in celebrating Festum Prophetae, the birth of the greatest Cyclist and our Prophet, Eddy Merckx. It is customary for the Velominati honor this day in a manner befitting him, and we invite you all to share with us how you chose to.
Thanks go to each of you for being a part of this community and helping make this site a worthwhile place to visit and share in our collective love for Cycling. Cycling is much more than a sport; it is a lifestyle and a conduit for us to become better people. Without each of you helping in your way to share in the experience, this place has no meaning.
Vive la Vie Velominatus, and Merry Festum Prophetae, one and all. A-Merckx.
As a special gift on this most festive day, we present the newly anointed Rule #92:
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Happy birthday EDDY!!!!!
Merckx, I remember the 82 Worlds. I was still in the UK at the time and badly wanted Kelly to win. Last km he was still in with a chance even though Boyer was away. Then Lemond chased his own teammate down! Saronni was on Greg's when then - woosh! - went over the top for a stunning and well-deserved victory. Kelly's head nod of disappointment at the end tells you he knows he blew it - he had Saronni's wheel all the way but couldn't respond to that last attack.
Saronni was riding one of the greatest steel bikes ever - a ruby red Colnago. His wool jersey was drenched in sweat at the finish - no fancy technical fabrics back then. It was a win that Merckx would have raised a glass to. Happy birthday to the Prophet!
And remember this -
Eddy's doctor 'A glance was enough to show that the cardiogram was alarming," he said. 'There were no symptoms, only the risk of sudden death. Eddy Merckx rode his entire career with the sword of Damocles over his head."
Eddy's view "I know I have a special heart, it's very big,"
What a fucking legend
Proficiat, Monsieur Merckx
I've just got word that my frame is back from paint and will be shipped tomorrow or possibly even today! As for riding, etc. I observed the holiday over the weekend with some good rides, Rule 33 observance, and a cleansing of the steed.
Oh if only we could have a few more cyclists like Merckx again ! You can shove your 'tempo riders' up your arse.
Today I went out for 96km including a few beasting climbs, in what was possibly the warmest day of the year here in Ecosse, so far (still only a measly 22 C though....) I enjoyed sitting at an old fountain in a small Perthshire village in the sun for a short 5 minutes to just soak up the all too rare sunshine. I passed a few other cyclists too, and made sure to give them a nod a and a farmers wave. Not an unusual day, but a decent few hours on the bike living the life.
Report coming Wednesday, but this is how I celebrated on Saturday
And proof of the thorough recovery session afterwards.
@strathlubnaig
And if we had them we would suspect they were doping. Sad but true....
Happy Birthday, Eddy!
I celebrated with my longest ride to date of 160km on Friday (I just started this, buying my road bike last August) and today I will celebrate further with my third time trial of 24km.
@frank
So you only rode for an hour then drank lots of beer? Hardly Rule 5 compatible.Where are your priorities FFS?