Merckx hands over "bikes for Cuba"

Cycling legend Eddy Merckx was in Cuba over the weekend to hand over 1000 used bikes for local cyclists. The bikeraising programme called "Fietsen vor Cuba" (Bikes for Cuba), sponsored by Belgian lottery, is intended to support the sport on the island, especially in the province of Guantanamo.

Merckx also assisted to the ending of the stage race "Vuelta a Cuba" in Havana on Saturday, and gave the winner, Pedro Pablo Pérez, another bike - brand new, of course. At a reception at the Cuban Olympic Committee on Monday, the Belgian also honoured the country's president, Fidel Castro, by giving him a road bike as a present. "I hope, he will use it," said Merckx.

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