Maestro Merckx - The Life of the Cannibal in Words and Images

Book Maestro Merckx - The Life of the Cannibal in Words and Images

 Eddy Merckx was more than the greatest cyclist of his generation. He became a sporting icon and a symbol of determination whose influence on cycling continues to this day.

Maestro Merckx is not a conventional biography. Through memorable quotations, personal recollections, journalistic stories and a rich selection of photographs, Stefaan Van Laere and Robert Janssens portray both the champion and the man behind the legend.

The book revisits the victories, rivals and defining moments of Merckx’s extraordinary career, from the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia to the World Championships and the great Classics. But it also looks beyond results and records to his character, friendships, loyalty and relentless desire to win.

Robert Janssens followed Merckx’s career from the front row as a cycling journalist, while Stefaan Van Laere brings the perspective of an author and lifelong admirer whose youth was marked by the Cannibal’s greatest triumphs.

Richly illustrated and filled with memories from cycling’s golden age, Maestro Merckx is a personal tribute to a champion whose legend still fascinates cycling fans around the world.

Short description

A richly illustrated portrait of Eddy Merckx in words, photographs, quotations and personal memories. Stefaan Van Laere and veteran cycling journalist Robert Janssens reveal both the legendary Cannibal and the man behind the champion.

 Stefaan Van Laere is a Belgian author, journalist and publisher who has been writing professionally for more than three decades. A lifelong cycling enthusiast, he has followed the history and personalities of Belgian cycling closely and is the founder and publisher of Uitgeverij Partizaan.

Robert Janssens is one of Belgium’s veteran cycling journalists. During his long career he followed Eddy Merckx and the international cycling scene from close range. His first-hand memories and extensive knowledge of professional cycling give this book a unique historical perspective.