Expo 70 years MERCKX-ICKX

All photos by Patrick Verhoest

Eddy Merckx is one of the most successfull cycle racers of all time and Jacky Ickx had one the richest and longest careers in the history of motorsport . This year both friends celebrate their 70th birthday so a brilliant exhibition about these Belgian sporting legends was created in Brussels near the famous Atomium .

Authentic race cars that made 'Mister Le Mans 'great , original racing bikes on which 'The Cannibal ' broke records , never-before-seen personal souvenirs of Eddy Merckx and Jacky Ickx , highlights and memorabilia from national and international collections , unknown photos and films are all brought together for the first time in an interactive route .

Even a local Eddy fanclub-pub in the late 60s-early 70s is re-constructed ...

Thropee-room ..

Golden medal WC Elite 1967 Heerlen

Trophee Tour de France 1969

Trophee Super Prestige 1972

Films ...

and the Thurcino-tunnel where all 7 won Milaan- San Remo are showed on video ..

525 victories !!!

1972 Mexico-City One Hour World Record - room ..

the original bike !!

Let's challenge Merckx for 1 minute !

1970 : Paris-Nice , Gent-Wevelgem , Paris-Roubaix ,Fleche Wallonne , Giro , Belgian Championship and Tour ...yes in 1 year !!!

yellow-green and white Tour 1969 !

1975 : San Remo , Ronde , Amstel and Liege in 6 weeks !

His greatest challengers ..

His team - mates

Impressions ....

Trophee Cyclist of the 20th century

a great expo !

story and all pics : Patrick Verhoest-Flanders