In Mumbai to kickstart the Mumbai Cyclothon u2013 Tour De Mumbai today, the five times Tour de France champion and three times World Champion and Sportsman of the Year talks to CS about his impressions of the country and the sport
India might not be passionate about cycling, but Eddy Merckx sure is passionate about India. In Mumbai to kickstart the Mumbai Cyclothon u2013 Tour De Mumbai today, the five times Tour de France champion and three times World Champion and Sportsman of the Year talks to CS about his impressions of the country and the sport:
PIC/ SAYED SAMEER ABEDI
India calling
This isn't the first time that I am visiting India. I was here 15 years ago on a pleasure bike trip from Manali to Leh. It was a super experience, even though it wasn't easy. The roads were not too good and the climbs were steep. We stayed in tents while on tour and I enjoyed that. On my way back, we flew via Mumbai; that was my first visit here. I didn't get any time to see the city then and this trip has been just as hectic. I snatched a few minutes today to take a walk down the road. I hope to catch more of it some other time.
Biking basics
India is a great country that is poised to become a superpower very soon. I hope that the nation also embraces cycling in this transition period. The Mumbai Cyclothon is an effective step towards this direction. Riding a cycle is environmentally friendly, so that should be a deal clincher. Besides, it is the best way to stay healthy u2013 it is good for your heart and your knees. And what's more, thanks to tours, you get to see a good portion of a new country. Unlike cricket that is restricted to the stadium, cycling takes you places, literally.
In the race
Even though I might have retired ages ago, I still cycle for fun. When I was a professional, I used to cover a distance of 35,000 kms a year. Now it is about 7,000 kms. But I'm done with racing now; I'm too old for it. I don't think I retired prematurely in 1978. The pressure to win always got to me and made it very hard for me mentally to continue racing. I have no regrets though. After all, you can't be racing till you are 65! I have other things to do now.
On the road
As I look back on my career, I have a lot of moments to be proud of. I won the Tour de France five times, and the Giro d'Italia another five times. I bagged 425 professional race titles. I was crowned the World Champion three times and the Sportsman of the Year another three times. I was touted as the best in my generationu00a0-- I couldn't be asking for more!
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