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Follow us on GoogleAxel Merckx is getting a little fed up with the criticism coming from Belgium directed at the country’s top cyclists. The son of Eddy Merckx, who has been married to Lotte Kopecky for some time now, lashed out in an RTBF podcast against criticism directed at Remco Evenepoel, who didn’t deliver in all of the major races this fall.
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Evenepoel was right in the mix throughout the final weeks of the season, but when he headed to the World Championships after a long training period following the Tour de France, he had expected more. Evenepoel was dominant in the time trial, but he didn’t have his best day in the road race.
Evenepoel was harshly criticized after the 2026 World Championships
Evenepoel had a mixed autumn season
A similar trend could be seen in other races. For example, leading up to the World Championships, he won the GP Québec in dominant fashion, but clearly fell short at the GP Montréal.
At the European Championships, he won the road race, but a week later he wasn’t good enough in the Tour of Lombardy.
After the Lombardy race, Evenepoel himself spoke of it being the best year of his career, but in Belgium there has also been some criticism in recent weeks.
After the Tour de France, Evenepoel won four races and finished fourth, fifth, and twelfth once each, but that was far from enough for everyone.
Remco Evenepoel won the 2026 European road race
Axel Merckx defends Remco Evenepoel
In an RTBF podcast, Merckx called it “the Belgian mentality.” “In Belgium, we’re very quick to criticise our champions. We’re the best at it. In France, they’re adored and revered. It’s the same in the Netherlands. In Italy, they aren’t even mentioned.”
In Belgium, Merckx notices a more critical tone toward the big stars of the peloton. “If you win three races but miss one, you’ll be torn to shreds—by people both inside and outside the sport of cycling.”
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Merckx: 'It’s a kind of jealousy'
Merckx has a hard time dealing with that. “It’s a kind of jealousy, and that’s a shame. You may or may not like Remco, but if you look at his record, there’s nothing to criticise. He works incredibly hard and makes enormous sacrifices. We mustn’t forget that human side behind the athlete.”
Merckx calls it “scandalous” that Evenepoel is still facing so much criticism, including on social media. “We need to appreciate riders for who they are, including the person behind the athlete. You may or may not like someone, but you have to respect the athlete and the person.”
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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Latest Comments
- I’m still learning about these races—was the lamppost on the course, or did he hit it after going off the road? Either way, a frightening crash, and I hope his recovery keeps moving forward.julien13-10-2026
- That “streetlights can put up quite a fight” line is some gallows humour. Incredible resilience from Caudell and everyone helping him through rehab.cyclechamp4513-10-2026
- The ECMO details really put the seriousness of the crash into perspective. It’s good to hear he’s making progress, and I hope the cycling community continues to support his family.raceready713-10-2026
- Walking and communicating after injuries this severe is a huge milestone. Wishing Ezra and his family strength for the long road ahead.bikebuffj13-10-2026
- The rivalry brings in casual fans, but there’s plenty of racing beyond those two. Hope Van Aert gets a clean winter after that crash in Mol. Was Benidorm really the last time he beat MVDP?jeremya13-10-2026
- I’m still learning how the cyclocross calendar works: when do riders usually confirm whether they’ll race the Worlds? It sounds tough for organisers to plan around all this uncertainty.gearguru3313-10-2026
- Herygers saying no rider would rather babysit than race is a pretty daft take. If Mathieu’s family needs him, that’s obviously more important than any race.sprocketspiny13-10-2026
- Van Aert had a fantastic road season, but cross is a different beast. If he’s healthy, I can see him making an early statement—though writing off MVDP before we know his plans feels premature.cadencekingm13-10-2026
- The “king is dead” line feels premature. Pogačar has dominated this race for years, and one brilliant Seixas win doesn’t mean his reign is over. The article leans a bit too hard into the hype.patriciaw12-10-2026
- How does Seixas’s win compare with Gerbi’s in 1905? Was the race anything like the Lombardia riders face today?michael5412-10-2026
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