Eddy Merckx Continues Recovery Following Stroke and Multiple Surgeries
Antwerp, Belgium – Cycling legend Eddy Merckx, 80, is continuing his recovery from a series of health challenges, including four hip surgeries and a stroke, sustained following a fall from his bicycle in December 2024. The five-time Tour de France winner is making progress, though his road to full recovery remains ongoing, according to recent updates from both Merckx himself and his son, Axel Merckx.
The initial incident, a hip fracture suffered in a fall, led to a complex series of medical interventions. Merckx underwent four hip surgeries over the following months, a process that ultimately revealed a further complication. “I’ve had four hip replacements: one temporary and three so-called ‘permanent’ ones,” Merckx revealed in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, as reported on March 21, 2026.
Unexpected Stroke During Hospital Stay
While recovering from hip surgery at AZ Monica hospital in Antwerp, Merckx experienced a stroke in late August 2025. His daughter noticed a visual impairment on his left side, prompting immediate medical attention. “She wanted to demonstrate me something on her phone, and suddenly she saw that I wasn’t seeing well on my left side. It was blurry. There was a part I couldn’t see,” Merckx explained. Doctors attributed the stroke to a tiny bleed in the brain, potentially caused by medication.
Fortunately, Merckx did not experience any loss of speech as a result of the stroke. However, the incident has impacted his daily life, most notably his ability to drive. “The problem is I always have to be driven around. By my wife, my daughter, sometimes by Axel. I can’t drive because of the stroke,” he stated. He is awaiting further medical evaluations before being cleared to drive again, with initial check-ups scheduled six months after the incident.
Rehabilitation and Return to the Bike
Despite the setbacks, Merckx is actively engaged in rehabilitation. He attends physiotherapy sessions twice a week and works with Lieven Maesschalck in Antwerp. While his walking still requires improvement, he has been able to resume cycling, albeit with limitations. “My walking still needs to improve, but that’s what I was told,” Merckx said. “At least twice a week I go to Lieven Maesschalck in Antwerp, and another two times to a physiotherapist nearby.” He has been able to cycle on indoor rollers and even briefly on a women’s bicycle outdoors.
The recovery process has been lengthy and demanding, spanning sixteen months since the initial hip fracture. Merckx acknowledges the challenges of his age, stating, “You should not forget that he is 80 years old.”
Axel Merckx Provides Updates on His Father’s Progress
Eddy Merckx’s son, Axel Merckx, a former professional cyclist himself, has provided updates on his father’s condition. Axel described the past year as “remarkably tough” for his father, detailing the multiple surgeries and the bacterial infection that complicated the recovery process. He emphasized the resilience his father has shown throughout the ordeal.
Axel Merckx is currently the team director of UCI Continental team Hagens Berman Jayco, according to Wikipedia. He has been instrumental in supporting his father’s recovery, providing transportation and assistance with daily tasks.
Looking Ahead and Continued Optimism
Despite the ongoing challenges, Eddy Merckx remains optimistic about his future. He is scheduled to meet with a neurologist on Wednesday for a follow-up appointment to assess his progress. He expressed hope of being able to cycle more frequently as the weather improves. “I hope once the better weather comes I can cycle a bit more,” he said.
Merckx also shared his thoughts on the current cycling landscape, recently discussing Tadej Pogačar and modern cycling. He noted his appreciation for the absence of social media during his own racing career, according to CyclingUpToDate.com.
The cycling world continues to send its support to Eddy Merckx as he navigates this challenging period. His determination and positive outlook serve as an inspiration to fans and athletes alike.
Next Update: Eddy Merckx is scheduled to meet with a neurologist on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to discuss his recovery progress. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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