Eddy Merckx has said that should Bradley Wiggins conquer Paris-Roubaix and the Hour Record this season, he would become one of the most complete champions of all time.
"Wiggins is more motivated now and he's a complete rider," Merckx told Cyclingnews at the recent Tour of Qatar.
"He's been good in the mountains and he can ride over the cobbles. He's maybe not as good on the climbs as he was because he's put on some weight but that's given him more power and that's going to be important for the spring."
Merckx was very confident Wiggins would be there in the final of the final of Roubaix and says that despite all of the competition that he will face, everyone will need to keep an eye on him in the race.
"There are more top Classics riders these days. You have Boonen, you have Gilbert, Cancellara, Kristoff, and then you have more and more young riders coming through. There's Lars Boom who is strong and it won't be so easy for someone like Boonen this year. You also have Terpstra and the world champion (Kwiatkowski).”
"Cancellara appears more motivated this season and his condition is better than in previous years but Wiggins is one of the riders who I believe can win Paris-Roubiax. The others will have to watch out for Wiggins because he's a great rider and he used Qatar as preparation. He can't be overlooked. I think he’s one of the top favourites for Roubaix."
20.05: GP Mazda SCHELKENS |
20.05: Paris - Troyes |
20.05: Ronde van Limburg |
12.05 - 21.05: Tour d'Algérie |
22.05: GP de la Ville d'Annaba |
20.05 - 24.05: Cycling Tour of Albania |
24.05: GP de la Ville d'Alger |
23.05 - 25.05: Tour of Estonia |
25.05: Due Giorni Marchigiana |
25.05: ZLM Omloop der Kempen |
Rainer RETTNER 35 years | today |
Alessandro De MARCHI 38 years | today |
Emir UZUN 22 years | today |
Martijn COX 37 years | today |
Katia RAGUSA 27 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com