Eddy Merckx and mourn the passing of Rik Van Looy: "It is always a shock when someone you know passes away"

The cycling world bid farewell to one of its greatest icons, Rik Van Looy, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 90. A true legend of the sport, Van Looy's illustrious career included seven stage wins at the Tour de France, twelve at the Giro d’Italia, and an incredible eighteen at the Vuelta a Espana.

Van Looy’s legacy and influence on Belgian cycling are unparalleled, and tributes have poured in from some of the biggest names in the sport. Eddy Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist in history, spoke of Van Looy’s legacy with admiration, "He is one of the best Belgian riders ever. He was a great champion and a great opponent," Merckx said in the Gazet van Antwerpen. "His willpower and his will to win are things that will always stay with me."

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Roger De Vlaeminck, another legendary Belgian cyclist, shared his thoughts with the Belga news agency, reflecting on the inevitability of loss. “We all have to die, but it is always a shock when someone you know passes away,” said the 77-year-old De Vlaeminck. “Rik Van Looy was fourteen years older than me. He would soon be 91.”

Tom Boonen, who has often spoken of his admiration for Van Looy, recalled a recent memory of the great champion. “I had no idea that he wasn’t doing so well anymore. Last year I went out for dinner with him for his 90th birthday. That was a super fun evening, he was still 100% sane. Anyone at that age would sign for that.”

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Rik Van Looy was a pioneer of Belgian, inspiring generations of riders with his skill, endurance, and relentless pursuit of victory. His contributions to the sport and his larger-than-life presence will never be forgotten, and the cycling world mourns his loss while celebrating the incredible legacy he leaves behind.