How did Eddy Merckx become a major figure in cycling?

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Eddy Merckx became a legendary figure in cycling through his unprecedented versatility and relentless drive for victory, which earned him the nickname "the Cannibal."1

His rise to prominence began with 80 amateur wins, including the 1964 UCI Road World Championships. After turning professional in 1965, he dominated the sport for over a decade, recording 445 victories in 1,585 races. His success spanned all major disciplines:1

Stage Races: He won the Tour de France five times (1969–72, 1974), the Giro d’Italia five times, and the Vuelta a España once.1
One-Day Classics: He excelled in prestigious races such as Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, winning each multiple times.1
Specialized Skills: Merckx was a formidable climber and time trialist, setting records for the most days as leader in both the Giro and the Tour de France.1

Because modern cycling has become highly specialized, his ability to dominate both one-day classics and multiday stage races remains unmatched, cementing his status as arguably the greatest professional rider in history.1