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Eddy Merckx: The Fall of 'The Cannibal'

In 1975, the great Tour de rider lost the race after being punched by a spectator.

In 1975, the great Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx lost the Tour de after being punched by a spectator during a mountain stage. The incident marked the start of the decline of a rider so dominant he was nicknamed "The Cannibal". British cyclist Barry Hoban recalls the punch and shares his personal memories of racing with Merckx.

(Photo: Eddy Merckx. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Sun 20 Jul 2014 03:50GMT
BBC World Service Online

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  • Sat 19 Jul 2014 13:50GMT
    BBC World Service Online
  • Sat 19 Jul 2014 21:50GMT
    BBC World Service Online
  • Sun 20 Jul 2014 03:50GMT
    BBC World Service Online

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