Eddy Merckx is without any doubt the most succesful cycle racer of Belgium, probably even worldwide. 525 wins, 32 classics, four world titles, two national titles, 11 major toursand the hour world record. With this series, which has not been replicatedsince, he added a new dimension to the sport of cycling and heestablished a new standard: Merckxissimo.

Eddy Merckx - Jacky Ickx
Eddy Merckx – Jacky Ickx

Jacky Ickx is a name any regular visitor of motorsport related websites will know. Mr. Le Mans is the nickname of this unique belgian race pilot, son of a automotive journalist, and active in motorsport nearly 40 years. twice runner-up to the Formula One world championship, winner ofeight official Grand Prix races, six-time winner of the 24 Hours of LeMans, twice World Endurance Champion, ultimate victories in theParis-Dakar and the American Can-Am championship.

2015 is the year both belgian sport icons will celebrate their 70th birthday. Next to that, they celebrate a long friendship. Can one imagine a better reason for a unique exhibition about these 2 champions? And can you imagine a more iconic place for the exhibition as near the belgian pride “the Atomium” at the Heysel? Approximately 2000 square metres filled with trophies of both champions, the cars that Ickx piloted on racetracks like the Nurburgring, Monza or Le Mans. The bikes used by Eddy Merckx when showcasing his overwhelming superiority in the Tour de France or other classic bike races?

Different interactive rooms are constructed to support the exhibition, and wherever you look you can see dozens and dozens of amazing pictures. Easy to spend some hours in this fascinating and intresting exhibition, and absolutely worth the visit.

The exhibition can be visited from December 6 2014 – June 21 2015.
More information about the exhibition can be found at http://www.merckx-ickx.be/en.

Text : Tim Havermans
Pictures : Wilfried Geerts / Uitgeverij de Kannibaal