MERCKX, EDOUARD (EDDY)

(1945- )

Eddy Merckx was born in the FlemishBrabantvillage of Meensel-Kiezegem on 17 June 1945. His parents moved toWoluwe-Saint-Pierrein 1946 to open a grocery on the place des Bouvreuils while living nearby on avenue du Chant d'Oiseau. He became a professional cyclist at age 16. Dubbed the "Cannibal" and "the poet of the pedals," Merckx won five victories in the Tour de France (1969-1972, 1974) and 400 victories overall. He later moved to Kraainem, one of thecommunes à facilitéson the border of theBrussels Capital Region.