Merckx lieutenant Van Schil dies

Victor "Vic" Van Schil, a long-time teammate with Eddy Merckx in the 1970s, passed away Wednesday at the age of 69. His death was reportedly a suicide.

During his career, Van Schil won two stages of the Vuelta a Espana, finished second in the 1966 Liège - Bastogne - Liège, and took fourth in the 1965 Paris-Roubaix.

Van Schil was a teammate of Merckx, first with Faema (1968-70), then with Molteni from 1971-1976.

He is perhaps best well-known for helping Merckx to his first victory in Liège - Bastogne - Liège in 1969. Schil and Merckx arrived at the finish line nearly nine minutes ahead of third place finisher Barry Hoban that year.

Cyclingnews extends its sympathies to the Van Schil's family and friends.