Eddy Merckx mourned the death of Raymond Poulidor on Wednesday morning, saying he was greatly shocked by the death of his former rival and close friend, noting that the cycling world has lost an icon and a monument.
The 83-year-old Poulidor died early Wednesday morning after a two-month hospital stay. He and Merckx competed five times in the Tour de France (open in new tab) between 1969 and 1975, with Poulidor finishing on the podium three times behind the Belgian.
"The cycling world has lost a monument, an icon," Merckx told Het Nieuwsblad. 'You can't imagine how much Poupou was loved in France. France loved his charm."
"Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault are among the unforgettable riders in France, but don't hesitate to include Raymond Poupoudre in the picture.
"He was perhaps the most popular sportsman in France. The monument to a sportsman and a man is no longer with us. It was a very big blow."
In addition to the Tour de France, Merckx and Poulidor faced off in other races such as Paris-Nice; in 1972 and 1973, it was in these races that Poulidor outperformed his rivals. Poulidor, then in his late 30s, twice beat the Belgian by a few seconds.
"He didn't give me a present. He took me out of the leader's jersey in the time trial on the last day."
"Some say he's 'second forever,' but let's not forget he's had big races like Milan-San Remo, the Vuelta a España, and La Flèche Wallonne.
Merckx said he became close to Poulidor, especially after the two retired, adding that he admired the Frenchman on a personal level and enjoyed the time they spent together.
"I have seldom met such a charming man.
"He was a very good friend of mine," Merckx told Het Laatste Nieuws. Merckx told Het Laatste Nieuws, "He was a very good friend of mine. He was a very jovial person."
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