Eddie Merckx is to cycling what Amitabh Bachchan is to Bollywood. And when the undisputed king takes up a cause, it's sure to succeed.
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Merckx wants to create a "cycling culture" in India and plans to use the first of its kind, world-class cycling race in India Tour de Mumbai as the stepping stone to achieve that.

The 65-year-old Belgian is the brand ambassador of the February 21 race, organised by Sports 18, the sports marketing division of Network18 and sports management company ID Sports and to be held at the Bandra Reclamation in Mumbai.

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong is said to have agreed in principle to participate in the race.

Belgian cycling ace Eddy Merckx at the 2010 Tour de France itinerary announcement in Brussels recently.

It's not Merckx's first visit to India, no wonder he speaks with authority on his development plans for a sport that has miles to go as far as gaining popularity in India is concerned.
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"Way back in 1983, I undertook a leisure mountain biking trip with a few friends, from Manali to Leh.

We covered the distance of about 500 kms in about 10 days, but what struck me most besides of course the scenic route, was the fact that the people in that area used the bicycle a lot, whether it's for their daily trip to work, household chores or for fun.

So, the cycle IS widely used in India and this is the most important factor if there is any scope for the sport to do well here," Merckx told MiD DAY from Paris on Thursday after the Tour de France paid tribute to the five-time winner by adding two stages to this summer's race in Belgium Stage One will go through Merckx's current hometown of Meise and the second will pass through his childhood home of Tervuren.

Merckx believes encouraging the sport will not only help bring about an environmental change but also lead to a fitter and healthier generation.

"Cycling is an environment-friendly mode of commutation besides being a great fitness sport. Parents should encourage their kids to take up cycling early in life," he explained.

Finally, Merckx the presence of superstars of the sport like Lance Armstrong, 2004 Sydney Olympics gold medallists Stuart O'Grady and Scott McGrory will leave a lasting impact on spectators.

'The Cannibal'

Eddy Merckx was nicknamed "The Cannibal" for his insatiable appetite for victories, won almost every important race he featured in. He rode for 13 seasons and dominated cycling for like no one else has before or after him. He won a total of 11 Grand Tour titles that included the Tour de France five times, the Giro d'Italia five times and the Vuelta a Espana once. Read More Read Next Story Spain favourites to win World Cup 2010: Lothar Matthaus› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT