BRUSSELS: Belgian cycling icon Eddy Merckx has been admitted to hospital for a follow-up hip operation after complications arose from a previous surgery.
The 80-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, fractured his hip in a biking accident last December.
Initially, a titanium prosthesis was implanted, but it was later replaced with a cemented version. However, new issues emerged, necessitating further medical intervention. Merckx is expected to remain hospitalised for approximately two weeks.
The five-time Tour de France champion has faced multiple health setbacks in recent years. In 2019, a severe fall left him hospitalised for several days.
Despite these challenges, his legacy in cycling remains unmatched, with victories in the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, and numerous one-day classics. - AFP
