Claims of improper dealings over police bicycles
Already in the news due to reports last week that he raced with a potentially fatal heart condition, Eddy Merckx is making headlines again due to his reported implication in a legal matter.
Belgian newspaper La Dernière Heure has reported that he was indicted on corruption charges today by the investigating magistrate in Brussels, Jean-Claude Van Espen.
It states that the case relates to the provision of bikes to the police in Anderlecht, and dealings between Merckx and the commissioner there, Philippe Boucar. According to the newspaper, the latter ordered the purchase of approximately 50 Eddy Merckx bicycles in 2006 and 2007 and, in return, was sold a carbon fibre bike at a reduced price.
The indictment was reported as having been deferred from December sixth in order not to affect an award given to him by French president Nicolas Sarkozy. Merckx was made Commander of the Legion of Honour by the French president on December 15th.
Merckx is yet to comment on the reports.