Merckx pays tribute to Kopecky atop Golden Gate Bridge: 'I don't need a destination when I have you by my side'

Kopecky and Merckx have been a couple for quite some time. There had been rumors for a long time, but when the two moved in together, it was confirmed. In May of this year, they tied the knot. “A day we will cherish for the rest of our lives,” is how they described the big celebration.

Since then, they’ve been through a lot together. Kopecky is a cyclist with SD Worx-Protime, while former pro Merckx is the team director of Hagens Berman Jayco, the development team for Jayco AlUla. But aside from those obligations, he often travels with his wife. Like in October, when Kopecky was in China for the Track Cycling World Championships. After winning the world title in the elimination race, she celebrated with her partner.

The two then headed out to Shanghai for a vacation. However, they have since ended up on the other side of the Pacific Ocean: first they were together in Hawaii, but now they’ve arrived in San Francisco. There, they went for a ride together across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the hilly Marin Headlands, as can be seen on Strava. It resulted in some beautiful photos, such as a kiss on the famous bridge.

And on Instagram , Merckx shared a tribute to his wife. “Yesterday’s ride is today’s favorite memory. Kilometres are better when shared with your best friend. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge, chasing the sunset, and being reminded once again how lucky I am to have you by my side.”

"You are my wife, my best friend, my greatest adventure, and the person who holds my heart. Here’s to a life full of sunsets, adventures, laughter, and miles together. I don’t need a destination when I have you by my side.” A few days later, the couple cycled around Morgan Hill, where Remco Evenepoel had previously ridden over the cobblestones.