Eddy Merckx has publicly expressed his well wishes for his son, Axel Merckx, and cyclist Lotte Kopecky, who have been in a relationship since January. Kopecky recently cemented her status as a cycling powerhouse, winning Milan-Sanremo Donne on Saturday, adding another monumental victory to her already impressive career.
The cycling legend, often referred to as “The Cannibal,” shared his thoughts while watching the men’s Milan-Sanremo race, won by Tadej Pogačar, on television. He admitted that his son’s relationship with Kopecky naturally draws his attention to her competitions. “Because Axel is dating Lotte, you automatically watch those races. You live it with them,” Merckx confessed, according to VTM NIEUWS.
The relationship between Kopecky and Axel Merckx became public knowledge earlier this year. Until now, Eddy Merckx had refrained from commenting publicly on the matter. He now offers his full support to both of them, stating, “Of course, you wish your son all the best, and Lotte too.”
A New Fan in the Stands
Merckx’s support extends beyond their personal lives and into their athletic pursuits. He acknowledged that he’s become a dedicated follower of Kopecky’s career. “You automatically become a bit of a supporter,” he said. That support was on full display as Kopecky celebrated victories in Nokere Koerse and Milan-Sanremo.
Kopecky’s recent success is particularly noteworthy. The 30-year-old Belgian executed a flawless team strategy with SD Worx-Protime to secure the win at Milan-Sanremo Donne, marking her fifth career Monument victory. She described the victory as “fantastic,” emphasizing the full support she received from her team. “I had a lot of confidence, and all the pieces fell into place,” Kopecky stated after the race, as reported by socalcycling.com.
The win at Milan-Sanremo follows a strong start to the season for Kopecky, who also claimed victory at Nokere Koerse. Her ability to respond to attacks, particularly on climbs like the Poggio, proved crucial in securing the win. She expertly timed her sprint on the Via Roma, holding off Noemi Rüegg to capture the top spot.
Health and a Return to Cycling for ‘The Cannibal’
While celebrating the achievements of his son’s partner, Eddy Merckx also shared an update on his own health. The 80-year-old has faced several health challenges recently, including surgeries and a minor stroke. Thankfully, he’s recovering well, demonstrating the resilience that earned him his legendary nickname. “They don’t get ‘The Cannibal’ down just like that,” he remarked.
Merckx also expressed his desire to return to cycling himself. He hopes to be back on his bike within a few months, reaffirming his lifelong passion for the sport. His son’s relationship with a prominent figure in the women’s peloton is sure to fuel that passion even further.
The connection between Axel Merckx and Lotte Kopecky adds another layer of intrigue to the world of professional cycling. It’s a story that blends personal happiness with athletic achievement, and one that Eddy Merckx is clearly enjoying watching unfold. Kopecky’s continued success, coupled with her relationship with Axel, promises to maintain the Merckx family firmly in the spotlight.
Lotte Kopecky’s next scheduled race is currently unconfirmed, but she is expected to compete in the upcoming Classics season. Fans can follow updates on her performance and the couple’s activities through official team channels and cycling news outlets.
