Former Belgian cycling champion Eddy Merckx, 79, fell while cycling near mechelen, Belgium, on Monday and will have to undergo hip surgery, Belgian media reported. According to relatives contacted by AFP, the “Cannibal” is “well and should undergo surgery to put an artificial hip”.
“He only has a few scratches and fortunately no other injuries.It was the hip that was hit hard. A hip prosthesis will be placed on him, then there will be rehabilitation. All of this takes time. But he has faith in himself” and in current medicine, his daughter Sabrina explained to VTM television.
The emergency services intervened promptly
The man who is considered the greatest cyclist in history, five times winner of the Tours of France and Italy, broke his hip when he fell to the ground following a slip, without the intervention of third parties, according to the data cited in the Flemish media complaint. the emergency services intervened promptly to transport him to hospital, and the hip operation should take place at Herentals hospital, in the province of Antwerp.
“He slipped in a curve without contact,” the champion’s sister explained to public broadcaster VRT. “He instantly felt a strong pain.He will need a new artificial hip,” he added. “It was a stupid accident. Fortunately it wasn’t just because he was in a lot of pain,” reacted his wife Claudine, quoted by Het Nieuwsblad.
Last April, Eddy Merckx underwent emergency surgery for an intestinal obstruction. In the autumn of 2019 he had already suffered a heavy fall which forced him to spend several days in hospital.
The Belgian champion boasts seven victories on Milan-San Remo, five on Liège-Bastogne-liège and three on Paris-Roubaix.He is part of the very small club of riders (three,with compatriots Rik Van Looy and Roger De Vlaeminck) to have won the five Monuments (with the Tour of Flanders and the Tour of Lombardy).
How can cycling organizations improve athlete safety and injury prevention measures?
Interview with Cycling Expert dr.Lisa Vandermeer on Eddy Merckx’s Recent accident and Recovery
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Vandermeer. With the recent news regarding Eddy Merckx, the cycling legend who suffered a hip injury, many in the cycling community are concerned about his health. Can you provide us with insight into the potential implications of such an injury for an athlete of his caliber?
Dr.Lisa Vandermeer: Thank you for having me. Eddy Merckx is considered one of the greatest cyclists in history, with remarkable achievements in the sport, including five wins each in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. A hip injury, especially one that requires surgery, can considerably impact an athlete’s performance. for someone like Merckx, who has dealt with injuries before, this could challenge his mobility and recovery timeline.
Editor: We’ve learned that Merckx will undergo hip surgery, specifically to have an artificial hip installed. What can you tell us about this type of surgery and the typical recovery process for athletes?
Dr. Vandermeer: Hip replacement surgeries have become quite advanced, and the majority of patients—athletes included—generally recover well. Though, recovery isn’t instantaneous. Typically, it involves a rehabilitation phase where strength and mobility are gradually restored. For a professional athlete, this means a longer, more rigorous rehab to return to competitive form.Given Merckx’s history and determination, his confidence in recovery will be crucial.
Editor: His daughter mentioned that he only suffered minor scratches aside from the hip injury. What factors usually influence the extent of recovery in similar cases?
Dr.Vandermeer: That’s an important factor. When injuries are limited to a single area, as in Merckx’s case, the recovery process is frequently enough smoother. Key elements that influence recovery include the individual’s pre-existing fitness level, age, and the body’s natural healing abilities. Since Merckx is quite healthy for his age, his rehabilitation will likely be more straightforward than for someone less fit.
Editor: What are some practical tips for amateur cyclists to avoid similar accidents while riding?
Dr. Vandermeer: Great question! Safety is paramount. Firstly,always wear appropriate protective gear,including helmets and pads.Secondly,maintain your bike regularly; a well-maintained bike is critical for traction and control. be cautious when navigating sharp turns and wet roads—those are common areas where slips occur. Building strength through cross-training also helps improve overall stability on the bike.
Editor: Given Merckx’s age and prior health issues, how can we encourage older athletes to remain active while managing the risks?
Dr. Vandermeer: It’s vital for older cyclists to listen to their bodies. Engaging in proper warm-ups,cross-training,and even low-impact exercises can help maintain strength and flexibility. They shoudl also consider regular health checkups to monitor their physical condition and be ready to adapt their training based on their physical response.
Editor: What’s your viewpoint on the broader implications this incident might have for professional cycling, especially regarding athlete health management?
Dr. Vandermeer: This incident underscores the importance of health management in the sport.Cycling is often viewed through the lens of performance, but it’s essential to focus equally on athlete well-being. More campaigns promoting safe riding practices, injury awareness, and rehabilitation support can enhance safety in the cycling community. Athletes are role models, and when they prioritize their health, it resonates with fans and aspiring cyclists alike.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vandermeer, for sharing your valuable insights on Eddy Merckx’s accident and recovery. We wish him a speedy rehabilitation process.
Dr. Lisa Vandermeer: Thank you for having me.Let’s hope for the best for Merckx and the future of safe cycling!