Lotte Kopecky and Axel Merckx surprise with a secret marriage after a small ceremony

Lotte Kopecky still isn't quite on her previous defeat-less streak, but the Belgian woman clearly enjoys cycling more again after a year full of struggles. And a lot of the credit for her mental (and physical) recovery goes to Axel Merckx. The two personas of Belgian cycling have been dating since last year and now added their relationship a new depth. The couple said their 'yes' to each other today at a Bruges City Hall, becoming a wife and a husband.

"Being in love is very nice, but above all stability improves your performances," Kopecky told Sporza in winter. "There is someone I can rely on and who also shares the difficult moments. That is more important than being in love."

"We are very happy together," Kopecky said earlier this year. "Axel also knows what cycling entails and what needs to be done for it. He knows the life that needs to be lived. In that respect, we are on the same wavelength."

Kopecky and Merckx held only a small ceremony at Bruges City Hall. Not even an announcement on social sites. Axel's father, Eddy Merckx could not be there because he is struggling with his health. Former professional footballer Gilles De Bilde (known as a striker from stints in Aderlecht, PSV or Aston Villa in late 1990s and ealry 2000s) was present.