Cycling legend Eddy Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, recently took part in a deeply symbolic and emotional training session—behind a motorcycle piloted by none other than 90-year-old Guillaume Michiels, his former caretaker, chauffeur, and loyal companion throughout his storied career.
This unexpected reunion wasn’t just a nod to the past. It was a powerful testament to friendship, discipline, and the timeless bond that endures between two men who once shared thousands of kilometers on the road—both in training and racing.
The Golden Duo: A Brief History
In the golden era of cycling during the 1960s and ’70s, few names inspired as much awe as Eddy Merckx. Nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his insatiable hunger for 
Guillaume wasn’t just a mechanic or a helper. He was Merckx’s personal caretaker, chauffeur, and a trusted companion. More than that, he was the man who drove the motorcycle during countless motor-paced training sessions, helping Merckx hone the speed, endurance, and precision that defined his dominance.
Their partnership went far beyond the velodrome or open roads. Michiels was responsible for everything from logistics to last-minute fixes and midnight drives to races across Europe. He accompanied Merckx to countless criteriums, often navigating hundreds of kilometers in a single day so his rider could compete.
The Return to the Road
Now, decades after Merckx’s retirement and long after Guillaume’s “official” duties had ended, the two were back on the road again.
In a moving moment that left fans and onlookers deeply touched, Eddy—now in his late 70s—mounted his bike behind Guillaume’s motorcycle for a symbolic training session reminiscent of the thousands of kilometers they had once shared in their prime.
Though the pace was slower and the stakes far different than in years past, the essence of their bond was unchanged. Eddy followed closely behind, a sight that mirrored the many hours they once spent on Belgian roads preparing for the next great victory.
A Friendship Forged in Kilometers
To understand the depth of their connection, one must understand the rhythm of a professional cyclist’s life in the pre-digital age. There were no sports scientists with data dashboards or team buses with sleeping pods. There were long drives, backseat naps, roadside repairs, and a nearly monastic dedication to training.
Guillaume Michiels was by Merckx’s side through it all. From the cobbled roads of Flanders to the hairpin climbs of the Alps, from early-morning workouts to late-night returns from small-town criteriums, the two shared the relentless grind of greatness.
Guillaume’s role was both physical and emotional. He was a steadying presence through the ups and downs of a grueling sport. Now, at 90 years old, his hands may be older, but his spirit—still guiding the motorbike—remains unshaken.
Echoes of a Bygone Era
In a world where cycling has become increasingly digital and hyper-professionalized, the image of Eddy and Guillaume training once more is a poetic return to a simpler, purer form of the sport. It reminds fans of the values that built legends: trust, consistency, and human connection.
Their story is not just one of athletic glory but of human endurance, loyalty, and affection. While many remember the stats and the trophies, it’s the quiet companionship, the thousands of shared kilometers, and the unspoken trust between a cyclist and his caretaker that often form the real legacy.
A Moment for the Ages
As footage and photos of their ride surfaced, fans around the world responded with admiration and nostalgia. “It’s not just a picture of two old friends,” wrote one social media user, “It’s a picture of cycling history riding into the present.”
Eddy Merckx himself reflected on the ride with humility: *“We’ve done this for so many years. To do it again with Guillaume—it means everything. He’s been there for me since the beginning.”*
And Guillaume, ever modest, said simply: *“It felt like no time had passed. Just me, the bike, and Eddy behind me.”*
In that moment, history didn’t just repeat itself—it rolled gracefully forward, carried by the wheels of friendship, and the lasting heartbeat of cycling’s golden age.
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