Charting Your Own Path with Axel Merckx – The Changing Gears Podcast [Ep 32]

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When it comes to the cycling world, the Merckx family name is infamous. On this episode of Changing Gears, Axel shares his experiences being part of the Merckx family cycling dynasty.

Axel Merckx (he/him/his) is a world-renowned retired Belgian cyclist who retired to British Columbia, Canada, in 2007. Born in 1972 in Uccle, Belgium, he is the son of five-time Tour de France champion Eddy Merckx. He began his professional cycling career in 1993 as a member of the Motorola Cycling Team. Most recently, Axel has become synonymous with the success of the Hagens Berman Axeon Cycling Team as the squad’s director and now, owner.

In this episode, Axel and DZ talk about what is means to be a stagiair for a cycling team, how he’s dealt with the pressure of having Eddy Merckx as his father, Axel’s decision to transition from racing to being a team manager, and the mental health aspect of racing.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Background
06:40 – Growing up playing soccer
11:15 – Cycling Career
17:40 – The pressure of being the son of Eddie Merckx
21:00 – Who Axel looked up to in the sport
24:05 – His career as a team manager
41:20 – Experience at the olympics
45:40 – The sponsors of his team
52:00 – Athina’s Ride
55:56 – Sprint Round

Catch up with Axel here: https://www.instagram.com/axelmerckx/

Learn more about Athina’s Ride here: https://www.athinasride.com/

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