Eddy Merckx, 1972 Hour Record Collectible Plate

Eddy Merckx
Hour Record Collectible Plate

Eddy Merckx meticulously planned his attempt to break the Hour Record for October 1972 following a ten-day break from criterium racing to recuperate and prepare. The attempt occurred on October 25th in Mexico City at the outdoor Agustin Melgar Olympic Velodrome located at 2,300m (7,500 ft). Mexico City was chosen due to its higher altitude, which reduces air resistance. Merckx arrived on the 21st to prepare, but two days were lost due to rain. The attempt commenced at 8:46 am local time, with Merckx surpassing the record pace by twenty-eight seconds in the first ten kilometers. However, he started too fast and struggled as the attempt progressed. Despite this setback, he recovered and set a distance of 49.431 km (31 mi), breaking the world record. After the victory, he said it was “the hardest ride I have ever done.”

With 525 career victories to his name, Merckx is the most successful rider in cycling history.  Highlights of his storied career include winning eleven Grand Tours, all five Monument races, three professional road World Championships, the Hour Record, every major one-day race (except Paris-Tours), and many track racing victories.

Size:  9 ½  inches ( 24 cm)

This item is one of a kind; please look carefully at the photos to determine the condition.