Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Eddy Merckx: A Belgian former professional racing cyclist, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful cyclists in history. He won the Tour de France five times (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974) and set numerous other records during his career (born in 1945).

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Eddy Merckx dominated professional cycling in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
  • Many consider Eddy Merckx to be the greatest cyclist of all time.
  • The museum has a bicycle once ridden by Eddy Merckx.

Advanced Usage

• "The Cannibal": A nickname given to Eddy Merckx for his insatiable appetite for winning races.
  • Eddy Merckx earned the nickname 'The Cannibal' because of his relentless competitive drive.

Variants and Related Words

• Merckxian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of Eddy Merckx or his style of aggressive, dominant racing.
  • His Merckxian attack on the final climb secured his victory.

Synonyms

• Champion: A person who has defeated all opponents in a competition.
• Legend: A person of great fame who is admired for their achievements.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To pull a Merckx": (Informal, cycling context) To launch a devastating, long-range solo attack to win a race, emulating Merckx's style.
  • Seeing a breakaway up the road, he decided to pull a Merckx and bridge the gap alone.

Noun

1. Belgian racing cyclist who won the Tour de France five times (born in 1945)