Eddy Merckx vs Freddy Maertens: “The Final Sprint” WCRR 1973

Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx is the most successful rider in the annals of cycling history. His racing results cemented his place as the “Best Ever!”
A young Belgian Freddy Maertens was fast becoming “the top sprinter of his era.” But… Belgian racing was dominated by Eddy Merckx and Roger de Vlaeminck, and breaking into this dominance was not easy. Maertens did not observe the unwritten rules for young riders and launched a “bull in the China shop” tactic to get noticed. The animosity created with the “God father of Belgian cycling” was beginning in the early 1970’s.

The 1973 UCI World Road Race Championships were held in Barcelona, Spain. The race took place at the difficult Montjuich Circuit. The powerful Belgian National team selected both Merckx and Maertens (an ambitious young bull) to compete. However, a statement from Maertens indicated an unwillingness to ride for Merckx. The seeds of descent were planted.

During the race, Merckx attacked with 100 km to go. His solo attack thinned the field and was marked by only Maertens, Felice Gimondi (Ita), and Luis Ocana (Spa). When the group entered the final lap, Merckx escaped solo again. From the group no one was willing to chase, so Maertens chased and caught Merckx by himself. An angry Merckx was not pleased that a teammate had chased his breakaway. The two bickering Belgians were unable to work together, which allowed Ocana and Gimondi to reconnect with their breakaway.

The final sprint

When the four entered the finishing area Maertens did agree to lead Merckx in the sprint and allowed him to win. Through the final corner Maertens gave Merckx what seemed like a perfect lead out. But “Fast” Freddy’s acceleration was too fast and only Gimondi could hold his wheel. By the time Maertens realized it was too late and Gimondi easily rolled across the line to win.

(L) Freddy Maertens (M) Felice Gimondi (R) Luis Ocana

For decades Eddy Merckx harshly criticized Maertens’ WCRR lead out, blaming Maertens for his failure to win. Merckx said, “A sprinter is not a good lead out man because he can go too fast when it starts.” The finishing straight was up an incline of 3% to 4% and Merckx did not have the leg on that day. But the grudge grew larger.

Hostilities between Merckx and Maertens lasted decades.

SPECIAL NOTE: Their feud ended in 2007 when the two met in a hotel in France. Eddy said to me, “we have to talk about Barcelona.” Freddy said, “I think so...” The conversation lasted more than three hours and the two superstars shook hands. The Merckx-Maertens feud was over!