The day when I start a race without intending to win it, I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror.
Eddy MerckxRead
You need talent as a rider and I think I had that in my genes. But I think I also had a talent for suffering, which I thought was important, but also determination.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Talent alone isn't enough; suffering and determination are crucial for success.
Eddy Merckx emphasizes that while innate talent is important for achieving greatness in cycling, the ability to endure hardship and the determination to push through challenges are equally vital. This highlights the idea that success is a combination of natural ability and the resilience to overcome obstacles.
Themes
TalentSufferingDeterminationSuccessCycling
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to sports teams.
More from Eddy Merckx
All quotes →You had to be strong in the head... training, training and training. That is the only way, even if you have big talent.
Eddy MerckxRead
It's not like at university where you graduate. Every cyclist must start again. At the end of the season you know if you are good or not.
Eddy MerckxRead
Cycling is a sport of the people. How many people in the world have never been on a bike? Not many.
Eddy MerckxRead
I do not want to continue cycling until I am 35. I want to make something else out of my life, too. There are other things besides a bike and racing.
Eddy MerckxRead
I have decided to give up competition. I cannot train properly for the Tour de France which I had hoped to ride for the last time as apotheosis to my career. Doctors are forbidding me to ride anymore in high level competition and I bow to them.
Eddy MerckxRead
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