HOT NEWS: Eddy Merckx broke his silence and sent Jonas Vingegaard a 22-word message after the end of Stage 11 at Vuelta 2025: “My whole life has been dedicated to the mountains, he is a truly perseverant rider..” Immediately after, Vingegaard responded with respect, but it was his next move that left the entire cycling world stunned…
The cycling world was rocked with emotion and intrigue after an unexpected exchange between the legendary Eddy Merckx and reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard unfolded at the Vuelta a España 2025. Following the conclusion of Stage 11, which had already been marked by chaos and high tension on the roads of Spain, Merckx, often referred to as “The Cannibal” and widely regarded as the greatest cyclist in history, finally broke his long silence on Vingegaard. In a rare public message, Merckx crafted exactly 22 words that have since echoed across every cycling forum, headline, and broadcast: “My whole life has been dedicated to the mountains, he is a truly perseverant rider.”
The simplicity of the message belied its weight. For Merckx, whose dominance across both classics and grand tours set the standard for all future generations, to acknowledge Vingegaard’s persistence on the mountains was monumental. The Dane, known for his quiet personality and methodical approach to racing, was visibly moved when asked about Merckx’s words at the finish line. Instead of reveling in the praise, Vingegaard bowed his head and responded with remarkable humility. “It is an honor to hear those words from Eddy Merckx. I grew up watching his legacy shape what cycling means, and I can only try to live up to a fraction of that greatness.”
Yet what stunned the cycling world was not the message itself, nor Vingegaard’s respectful reply, but his next action. Only hours after Merckx’s message went viral, Vingegaard requested an impromptu press conference. With journalists scrambling to gather, he announced that he would dedicate his next stage, regardless of the outcome, to the memory of Merckx’s legendary mountain triumphs. More astonishingly, Vingegaard revealed that he would wear a special armband carrying Merckx’s initials during the upcoming mountain stage as a personal tribute. This symbolic act, unprecedented in modern cycling, was met with gasps and applause.
Fans around the globe immediately flooded social media, interpreting Vingegaard’s gesture as a unifying bridge between two eras of the sport. Hashtags such as #MerckxToVingegaard and #LegendsUnite began trending within minutes. Former riders and commentators also weighed in, some calling it the most emotional crossover moment cycling has witnessed in decades. For many, it was not just about the Dane’s respect for Merckx, but about the way he chose to honor the legacy of a man who once embodied cycling itself.
Stage 11 may be remembered for its chaos and drama, but this post-race exchange has cemented its place in history for another reason. The image of Vingegaard, bowing to history while charting his own path, has created a narrative that fans will talk about for years to come. Whether or not Vingegaard secures the red jersey at the end of this Vuelta, one thing is certain: his bond with Eddy Merckx has now carved a story bigger than any victory. And it all began with just 22 words.
