Excited Eddy Merckx calls Remco Evenpoel's Olympic time trial gold "an unforgettable day for Belgian sport"

The wait has been long, but Begium can finally celebrate an Olympic time trial champion. With Remco Evenepoel, the traditional cycling country stepped up from its shadow to finally take gold medal against the clock. To add more reasons to celebrate, compatriot Wout van Aert came third, losing only to Evenepoel and Italian Filippo Ganna. The Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx was over the moon to see a Belgian win Olympic time trial in his lifetime.

"Great, fantastic! Unforgettable for Belgian sport, and cycling in particular," proclaimed Merckx at RTBF. The Belgian legend admitted to having had a few scares while following the race: "Yes, of course, there was tension, because you're always afraid that one or the other will fall. And everything went well, fortunately."

Did he expect both Belgian riders to secure spots on the podium? "Evenepoel, surely: after the Tour de France that he did I think he was the big favourite. But I think Van Aert prepared well too, and really it's great for him, it's almost a second career that's starting."

Does the 79-year-old Belgian still enjoy watching the Olympics like in his youth? "Absolutely, it still takes hold of me. It's great for Belgian sport," Merckx concluded with a prediction for the rest of the Games: "How many Belgian medals? I hope as many as possible... If there are ten, twelve, it will really be a successful Games."