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Eddy Merckx could be prosecuted for corruption. The Belgian former pro is alleged to have given bicycles from his eponymously named brand to a police chief in order to win a contract to supply the police force with bikes. According to the Belgian public prosecutor Merckx gifted high-end bikes to the chief in charge of a Brussels police force in return for a contract worth £11,200. The alleged offence was said to have taken place in 2006, says Belgium’s Standaard newspaper.
If convicted, Merckx – a national hero in Belgium – risks two years in prison for bribing an official. Twelve other people also risk prosecution in the case.
Merckx retired from pro cycling in 1978 and created Eddy Merckx Cycles in 1980.
The five-time Tour de France winner told the newspaper La Derniere Heure: "I have nothing to say. We’ll see what happens."
