Axel Merckx

Axel Merckx (born August 8 1972, Uccle, Belgium), the son of the legendary Eddy Merckx, has been a professional road bicycle racer since November 1993. In 1995 he joined Team Motorola as a team-mate of the young Lance Armstrong. As of 2005, he rides with Davitamon-Lotto but in the 2006 season he will ride with Phonak.

Related Topics:
1972 - Uccle - Belgium - Eddy Merckx - Road bicycle racer - 1993 - 1995 - Team Motorola - Lance Armstrong - As of 2005 - Davitamon-Lotto - 2006 season - Phonak

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Despite several strong years of racing, including winning the Belgian national championship in 2000, Axel is probably still more famous for being the son of five-time Tour de France champion Eddy Merckx than for any of his cycling exploits. Despite being overshadowed by his father's formidable record, Axel has repeatedly vowed to make his mark by accomplishing feats Eddy never managed - including a Tour de France stage win at the top of Alpe d'Huez and a win in the Paris-Tours World Cup race - but has yet to make good on these promises. He has a large number of fans in Belgium, and would undoubtedly engender a great deal more goodwill if he were ever to achieve either of those elusive wins.

Related Topics:
Tour de France - Alpe d'Huez - Paris-Tours

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A good climber, Axel is probably at his best in the mid-altitude mountain ranges, notably the Massif Central and the Ardennes. His favorite race, and the one he feels best in, is Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He is also always aiming for a Tour de France stage win, and can often be found in long breaks. His sprinting capacities are not that strong, so he is often beaten at the finish.

Related Topics:
Climber - Mountain range - Massif Central - Ardennes - Liège-Bastogne-Liège - Sprinting

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Axel Merckx won the bronze medal in the road cycling race during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, thus getting a result his father never accomplished.

Related Topics:
Road cycling race - 2004 Summer Olympic Games - Athens

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Axel married Canadian triathlete Jodi Cross in 1997, and currently resides in Monaco. He has two children, Axana and Athina Grace (born June 30, 2005).

Related Topics:
Canadian - Triathlete - Jodi Cross - Monaco

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