Eddy Merckx's Sports Injuries

Type of Sport: Cycling

Eddy Merckx's Sports Injuries Table

Type Area Date Consequences Content How It Happened Recovery Duration Rehabilitation Details Impact On Career Psychological Impact Previous Injuries Return To Competition Severity Treatment Medical Staff Long Term Impact Preventive Measures Competition Missed Initial Symptoms Re Injury Risk Support System Rehabilitation Location
Fractures Left Hip 1975-10-09 Severe pain and limited mobility. Eddy Merckx fractured his left hip during a track race in Blois. This injury was particularly challenging due to its impact on his ability to pedal effectively. Merckx crashed during the track race in Blois. 10 weeks Extensive physical therapy and gradual return to training. Significant short-term impact, but he managed to return to competition. Increased determination to recover and continue racing. Previous fractures and concussion. 1976-01-01 Severe Immobilization, physical therapy, and pain management. Dr. Claes No significant long-term impact reported. Improved safety measures in track races. Several late-season races. Severe pain and inability to move the hip. Moderate if not fully healed. Team medical staff and family. Brussels, Belgium
Fractures Pelvis 1970-01-01 Severe pain and inability to walk without assistance. During the Paris-Tours race, Eddy Merckx experienced a significant crash resulting in a fractured pelvis. This injury was one of the more severe setbacks in his career. Merckx crashed during the Paris-Tours race. 8 weeks Intensive physical therapy and rest were required for recovery. Significant short-term impact, but he made a full recovery. Increased caution in subsequent races. Concussion and right collarbone fracture earlier that year. 1969-12-01 Severe Immobilization, physical therapy, and pain management. Dr. Claes No long-term impact reported. Enhanced crash prevention strategies. Several late-season races. Intense pain and inability to move the lower body. Low after full recovery. Team medical staff and family. Brussels, Belgium
Fractures Right Collarbone 1970-01-01 Unable to compete for several weeks. Eddy Merckx suffered a fracture to his right collarbone after a crash in the Tour of Belgium. His aggressive racing style often led to high-risk situations. Merckx crashed during the final stage of the Tour of Belgium. 6 weeks Physical therapy and rest were prescribed to ensure proper healing. Temporary setback, but he returned to dominate subsequent races. Merckx was determined to return stronger. None reported at the time. 1969-07-30 Moderate Immobilization and physical therapy Dr. Claes No long-term impact reported. Improved crash avoidance techniques. Tour de France 1969 Severe pain and inability to move the shoulder. Low after full recovery. Team medical staff and family. Brussels, Belgium
Head Injuries Head 1970-01-01 Short-term memory loss and dizziness. Eddy Merckx sustained a concussion after a severe crash in the Blois-Chaville race. This incident raised concerns about the safety measures in place during races. Merckx was involved in a crash during the Blois-Chaville race. 2 weeks Rest and gradual return to physical activity. Minimal long-term impact, but required careful monitoring. Increased awareness of race risks. Right collarbone fracture earlier that year. 1969-10-01 Mild Rest and monitoring for symptoms. Dr. Claes No significant long-term impact. Improved helmet technology and race safety protocols. None Dizziness and headache. Moderate if not fully healed. Team medical staff and family. Brussels, Belgium

Eddy Merckx's Sports Injuries Videos

Spectator knocks out cyclist just before the finish line

A scary sight at a women's European cycling tour in the Netherlands: a cyclist is taken down by a spectator just before the finish line. You can see the onlooker's hand hit the handlebars of Lauren Ry's bike, causing her to flip over and take a hard fall. Despite a broken collarbone, Lauren doesn't give up and crawls to the finish line.
Video thumb: Spectator knocks out cyclist just before the finish line

When Cyclists Get Angry - Pro Cycling's Most Heated Moments

Our compilation highlights some of pro cycling's most heated moments from recent seasons. Racing incidents are common, and it's often up to the commissary to decide what's fair. From a bizarre finish at the Duro involving Schmidt and Bauman, to Pogacar's near-victory at the Tour of Flanders thwarted by Madwas and Van Baar, emotions run high. Navigating through team cars and motorbikes adds to the chaos, as seen with Jack Bauer at the Tour de France. In the spring of Brabant's Appeal, one rider shoves Ben Turner aside, while Mark Stewart shows his displeasure during the track Champions League. Juan Sebastian Milano's aggressive actions in 2022, including a punch at the Criterium de Dauphine and interference at the Tour de Langkawi, highlight the need for restraint. Mark Cavendish's frustration with UAE's Max Walscheid blocking him during a sprint rounds out our recap. What other moments have we missed? Let us know in the comments.
Video thumb: When Cyclists Get Angry - Pro Cycling's Most Heated Moments