{
  "id": 11873467,
  "title": "An Eddy Merckx team bike ridden in service of the great man",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/an-eddy-merckx-team-bike-ridden-in-service-of-the-great-man",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T07:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Cycling Weekly",
    "slug": "cycling-weekly",
    "url": "https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/an-eddy-merckx-team-bike-ridden-in-service-of-the-great-man"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This bicycle, once wielded by a member of Eddy Merckx's esteemed team, carries with it an aura of history and accomplishment. Born in the latter days of the Molteni era in 1972, this particular steed represents the pinnacle of a year that saw Merckx achieve the Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double, triumphing in three Monuments and setting records along the way. While this frame does not belong to Merckx himself – its dimensions are ill-suited for the man of his stature – one can't help but wonder if it might have accompanied, or followed, one of Merckx's loyal teammates during some of the most momentous climbs of his career, such as the Col d'Izoard or Passo dello Stelvio.\n\nRichard Hoddinott, a vintage specialist from The Velo Pages, speaks fondly of this remarkable machine, attributing its unique character to its purposeful handling, top-quality construction, and meticulous craftsmanship. The entirety of the bicycle is adorned with Campagnolo components, from the drivetrain to the handlebars and stem, and a saddle crafted by Unicanitor. Hoddinott's admiration extends to the bike's patina, the worn decals on its frame, and the large, characterful Nuovo Record chainring that has been drilled in a seemingly haphazard pattern.\n\nDuring Merckx's tenure with the Molteni team, Belgian entrepreneur Fernand Kessels served as a key intermediary, procuring the bikes for the squad. Kessels, however, was more comfortable with the business side of things and delegated the frame building tasks to various high-end artisans, including Marcel van der Este. A peculiar paint marking on the bottom bracket, reading 'K V.D. ELST', adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, leaving us to speculate whether it bears the initials of Kessels or van der Este, or perhaps identifies the shop or rider for whom the bike was destined after the team disbanded.",
  "summary": "A Kessels Molteni Team bike from one of Eddy’s finest years.",
  "key_points": [
    "Eddy Merckx's team bike from 1972 carries historical significance.",
    "Vintage bike built by Marcel van der Este for Molteni team.",
    "Paint marking K V.D. ELST on bottom bracket adds mystery."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}