Eddy Merckx

Eddy Merckx holds the strongest claim to the title of the greatest cyclist ever, with an unmatched 525 career victories from 1965 to 1978. His record includes five Tour de France titles, 11 grand tour wins total, and victories in all five monuments of cycling. With a win rate of over 30% in races he entered, he outperforms #2 Bernard Hinault by scoring twice as many overall wins. This dominance earned him the nickname 'The Cannibal' and set a benchmark that no rider has approached since.