Every road cycling legend, every great champion, has that first unforgettable, career-defining moment—the moment when they surpass all expectations and stamp their authority on the sport. In cycling, this moment often comes as a surprise to the world, but for those who have followed the sport closely, there is a sense that this rider has always had the potential to reach greatness.
This was certainly the case for Eddy Merckx, a man who would later be dubbed “The Cannibal” for his insatiable appetite for victory.
Merckx’s moment came during the 1967 Giro d’Italia, on the daunting climb to Blockhaus.
By 1967, Eddy Merckx was already making waves in the professional cycling world. The young Belgian had claimed victory in the prestigious Milano-Sanremo twice, including a repeat win just the previous year. Known more as a sprinter, Merckx had demonstrated his explosive power in one-day classics,
but he was not yet considered a serious contender for overall victories in stage races like the Giro d’Italia.
His early successes had positioned him as a rising star, but many still viewed him as a specialist, a rider who thrived in short bursts of speed rather than over the grueling, multi-day tests of endurance that characterized Grand Tours. Few would have considered him a threat on a mountainous stage, especially one as daunting as the climb to Blockhaus.
At just 22 years old, Merckx was still considered a rookie, relatively unproven in the high mountains. It was widely believed that his capabilities as a sprinter wouldn’t serve him well on the punishing ascents of races like the Giro.
In fact, heading into the 12th stage of the 1967 Giro d’Italia, which would take the riders up to Blockhaus for the first time in the race’s history, most of the cycling world’s attention was focused elsewhere. José Pérez-Francés was wearing the maglia rosa, and looked to be in good form. Behind him, other race favorites, such as Jacques Anquetil, one of the greatest time trialists and five-time Tour de France winner, were lurking close in the general classification. Merckx, despite his promise, was not yet counted among these giants of the sport.
The 12th stage was one of the most challenging of the entire race, covering 206 kilometers through the rugged, mountainous terrain of central Italy. Riders would have to conquer several difficult climbs before even reaching the final ascent to Blockhaus. The stage took them over the Macerone, Rionero Sannitico, and Roccaraso climbs, a trio of mountains that were already enough to sap the strength of even the most seasoned climbers.
By the time the peloton began the climb to Blockhaus, many riders were already on their limits, and the real battle was only just beginning.
Blockhaus itself is a mountain peak that rises from the Maiella massif in the Central Apennines, located in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The name “Blockhaus” is of German origin, a reference to a stone fortress built by Austrian forces in the 19th century. This fortress had been used by Austrian riflemen to combat local banditry, lending the mountain a reputation as a place of strength and resilience. In cycling terms, Blockhaus was about to become a battleground where only the strongest would prevail. The climb to the top is steep and relentless, testing not only the legs but also the mental fortitude of those who attempt to conquer it.
As the peloton began the ascent, the race saw its first major attack from Vico Taccone, an Italian rider known for his climbing prowess. Taccone’s move injected excitement into the race, but with 2 kilometers remaining, it seemed that the stage victory would be contested between Silvano Schiavon and Italo Zilioli, both of whom were accomplished climbers in their own right. Merckx was still in the group, but few paid him much attention. He was, after all, unproven on such terrain. It seemed unlikely that a young sprinter would have the stamina to keep up with the pure climbers as they battled toward the finish.
Then, in a moment that would come to define his career,
Eddy Merckx made his move.
With just one kilometer to go, Merckx launched a devastating attack that took everyone by surprise. Up until that point, he had stayed relatively quiet, conserving his energy while others battled for position. But when the moment came, Merckx showed the world that he was much more than just a sprinter. He displayed not only remarkable strength but also a tactical brilliance that would become a hallmark of his career. By timing his attack to perfection, he was able to leave the favorites in his wake, riding away from Zilioli and Schiavon with ease. As the road continued to rise, Merckx powered ahead, unfazed by the gradients that had already broken so many riders.
Merckx crossed the finish line 10 seconds ahead of Zilioli, claiming his first-ever stage victory in the Giro d’Italia. For those watching, it was a jaw-dropping performance. Here was a rider who had been dismissed as a sprinter, a specialist in one-day races, showing the kind of endurance and climbing ability typically reserved for Grand Tour champions. In that moment, the cycling world began to realize that Eddy Merckx was not just a rising star—he was a force to be reckoned with, capable of dominating in all areas of the sport.
This victory at Blockhaus was more than just a stage win. It was a signal that Merckx was on his way to becoming one of the greatest cyclists of all time. In the years that followed, he would go on to win the Giro d’Italia five times, along with five victories in the Tour de France and numerous other titles, solidifying his place in the pantheon of cycling legends. But it all started on that day, May 31, 1967, when he shocked the world with his performance on Blockhaus.
Looking back, it’s clear that this was the moment that marked the beginning of the Merckx era in cycling. What made this performance so special was not just the victory itself but the manner in which it was achieved. Merckx had shown that he was more than just a one-dimensional rider. He had the strength to match the best climbers in the world, the tactical intelligence to outsmart his rivals, and the heart of a champion, willing to push himself beyond the limits of what anyone thought possible.
For Merckx, this was the first of many epic moments in a career filled with triumphs. But even as he went on to dominate the sport like no one before or since, that victory at Blockhaus remains one of the defining moments of his career. It was the day that the world first glimpsed the greatness that was to come, the day that Eddy Merckx truly arrived on the world stage. In the end, it was not just a stage win at the Giro d’Italia.
It was the birth of a legend.
