Belgium has a new cycling legend in the making, and his name is Remco Evenepoel. But here's where it gets controversial: can he surpass the iconic Eddy Merckx? After securing his fifth consecutive Belgian Sportsman of the Year award on Sunday, Evenepoel boldly declared, 'I want to try to be the best athlete Belgium has ever known.' Inspired by Merckx's unparalleled legacy, including his record six Sportsman of the Year titles, Evenepoel is setting his sights on breaking that record in the 2026 season. At just 25, Evenepoel has dominated the sport for seven years as a professional rider, only missing out on the prestigious award when crashes or injuries sidelined him. And this is the part most people miss: Evenepoel's consistency and resilience at such a young age are already drawing comparisons to Merckx, but does he have what it takes to eclipse the legend? As he continues to push boundaries, one thing is clear: Evenepoel is not just a cyclist—he's a phenomenon. But the question remains: Can he truly become Belgium's greatest athlete ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Evenepoel can surpass Merckx, or is the cycling icon's legacy untouchable?
