All-time cycling great Eddy Merckx has sixth hip operation in six months

All-time cycling great Eddy Merckx has undergone a successful sixth operation in six months on his hip, according to Belgian media, following a repeat infection of a prosthesis.

Merckx’s hip has been giving him problems since late in 2024 when he fell whilst out riding a bike. Since then, he has required a great deal of surgery as well as various types of hip replacement.

“Everything went well,” Eddy’s son Axel told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. “

He’s out of intensive care and in a normal room, and bearing in mind the circumstances, all’s going well.

“Now we have to see if the treatment works fully. But whatever happens, it’ll take some time for him to recover.”

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Despite all his hospital visits, Merckx continues to be a keen follower of the sport. Following Tadej Pogačar’s latest win at the Tour of Flanders, Merckx said simply of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider – “he can win everything.”