“I’m fed up with it!” - Eddy Merckx hospitalised again as infection threatens further surgery for cycling legend

Eddy Merckx has been hospitalised once again after a persistent hip infection left him in significant pain, with the Belgian icon now facing the prospect of yet another operation in what has become a prolonged recovery period.

The five-time Tour de France winner has been in hospital for around a week, undergoing antibiotic treatment as doctors attempt to bring the infection under control. However, that approach has so far failed to deliver the desired improvement, raising the likelihood of further surgical intervention.

“As I was in a lot of pain, I was admitted to the hospital last Monday,” Merckx said in a short reaction to hnb.be, as reported by La Derniere Heure.

“They can’t find the source of the infection and, as the antibiotics are not having much effect, they will likely have to operate on me again next Monday. That’s enough of this nonsense, I’m fed up with it!”

The latest setback is part of an ongoing medical struggle that can be traced back to a crash in December 2024.

Merckx suffered a fall after slipping at a level crossing, fracturing his hip. He has since undergone multiple operations, including the replacement of an initial prosthesis that had not been properly fixed, with recurring infections complicating his recovery.

At 80 years old, each new intervention has added further strain, extending what has become a lengthy period of treatment and rehabilitation.

The hip injury has not been the only issue Merckx has faced. Over the past year, he has also dealt with additional health complications, including a minor stroke that temporarily affected his vision.

Combined with the repeated surgeries, the situation has left the former world champion in a cycle of treatment and recovery setbacks.

The immediate concern remains the infection currently keeping him in hospital, with the expected operation in the coming days likely to determine the next stage of his recovery.