The bronze statue of Eddy Merckx, located in the Brussels suburb of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, was found defaced on Tuesday morning. Local authorities confirmed that the monument—which honors the five-time Tour de France winner—was covered in graffiti, marking a rare act of vandalism against one of Belgium’s most protected public tributes.
Workers discovered the damage early Tuesday. The sculpture, depicting Merckx in his iconic racing pose, had been sprayed with red paint, obscuring the cyclist’s face and torso. Municipal cleaners arrived by mid-morning to scrub the bronze, though concerns remain over the chemical impact of the paint on the metal’s patina.
Benoît Cerexhe, the mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, condemned the act as “pointless and disrespectful.” He noted that the statue is a landmark for cycling enthusiasts visiting the area where Merckx spent his youth. Police have since launched an investigation, pulling footage from nearby security cameras to identify those responsible.
This isn’t the first time public monuments in Brussels have been targeted, but the choice of a sporting hero has struck a nerve. Merckx, now 79, remains a national icon in Belgium, often referred to as “The Cannibal” for his unrivaled dominance during his professional racing career in the 1960s and 70s.
Local cycling clubs are already planning a small gathering at the site this weekend to show support for the legend. While the motive behind the vandalism remains unclear, the incident has prompted a broader discussion in the municipality regarding the security of public art.
For now, the paint is gone, but the local police are still reviewing the footage. They expect to have a lead by the end of the week.
