Half Man, Half Bike: The Life of Eddy Merckx, Cycling's Greatest Champion

by William Fotheringham

Book Overview

Eddy Merckx is to cycling what Muhammad Ali is to boxing or Pele to soccer: simply the best there has ever been. Merckx amassed an astonishing 445 victories. Lance Armstrong, by comparison, managed fewer than 100. Merckx didn't just beat his opponents; he crushed them. But his triumphs only tell half a story that includes horrific injury, a doping controversy, and tragedy. He was nicknamed "the Cannibal" for his insatiable appetite for victory, but...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1613747268
• ISBN13: 9781613747261
• Release Date: April 2013
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Eddy Merckx the most undisputed GOAT in any sport

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the origins and domination of a legend I’ve never heard of. (I’m not a cyclist myself, but gained interest due to the Netflix documentary Tour de France: Unchained) The book gives a good overview of his childhood, amateur career, fast rise to the top, close calls of being humiliated, the relationships with his teammates, his downfall from utter supremacy in the sport. The author gives great context and paints a clear picture in just how much better he was than his opposition. An avid cyclist will better understand the races, racing style, names of key figures, etc. Nonetheless I still gained some insight into the mindset and insatiable desire to win from The Cannibal. A quote when asked about what drives him to win/push himself so much [Merckx] “It’s the most beautiful thing that there is in the world. If nature has given exceptional ability it would be a shame not to use it. You have to work on what you are given. Otherwise you will have achieved nothing in your life and wasted what you have in you.”