Although it always seemed to me that Merckx used his Flemish last name to play both sides of the street, even though he was primarily a French speaker. At least in the international media, he seemed to avoid getting drawn into the Flemish-Wallon rivalry. Of course what he said in the international media and what he actually did in the company of his countymen may have been two entirely different things.
Still Maerten's account does seem to stretch credibility a bit if he says that he and Merckx were alone in the lead, teammates on the Belgian team, and yet Merckx refused to share the work, even though Maertens promised not to contest the win. If that was true, there must have been bad blood between the two well before the 1973 Worlds. What does seem fairly certain is that Maertens did indeed lead out Merckx for the sprint, and Merckx was unable to follow, allowing Gimondi to take the win.
A guy with a half-way normal size ego might have given his teammate some credit for attempting the leadout, at most dropping a subtle hint that the leadout was poorly timed, and admitted to being at less than top form in failing to follow for the win. But that would be too un-Merckx, whose ego is nearly as gigantic as his talent, to the point that he seems almost incapable of even admitting to having had a bad day or two during his career. I guess a cannibal can never have a bad day.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Michael Butler <pariscycles@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: I don't want to cloud the issue on this one as you are probably all a lot more knowledgeable than me but surely this all down to a Walloon/Flemish thing? Merckx is from Brussels, French speaking and pro royalty, Freddy is Flemish. Between these two factions there was nothing better than to beat you in front of your own supporters. The Flemish loved to do over the French speaking riders in the Paris- Brussels remember 1976. Similarly the French speaking Belgium's loved to get a win in the Tour of Flanders. Two different cultures, languages and customs. Roger De Vlaeminck Merckx's bitter rival in the classics was once pictured with Eddy at his breakfast table now this is like the Pope having a knife and fork with Ian Paisley or supping with the devil! Merckx and De Vlaeminck would later unite against Maertens and in the 76 Tour of Flanders, the Gypsy and Freddy Maertens let the winning escape go up the road preferring to loose the prestigious race than risk the other winning. Walter Planckert a Flandrian won. A year later De Vlaeminck wheel sucked Freddy for 60 miles and then beat him in the finishing sprint.
Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.