Eddy Merckx: Chris Froome's data release "the end of cycling"

Eddy Merckx has said that Chris Froome's decision to release test data as a result of ongoing suspicions of doping could herald “the end of cycling.”

The Belgian, whom many see as the most complete male rider the sport has ever seen – something his palmares back up – also believes that Froome is in a no-win situation.

He says the disclosure of the data, published on Esquire magazine's website today and carried out by the GSK Human Performance Laboratory, which conducted the tests in August, is unlikely to appease those who doubt that Froome is clean.

> Chris Froome releases performance data - but will it silence critics?

Speaking to Telegraph Sport's Tom Cary, Merckx said: “For me it’s impossible. You cannot prove you are clean.”

Turning to the abuse Froome was subject to from certain quarters during this year's Tour de France, partially fuelled by the scepticism of riders-turned pundits such as Laurent Jalabert, he said: “That’s just the French.”

The man who in a decade from the late 1960s won 11 Grand Tours and 19 Monuments continued: “It’s nothing to do with Chris. It’s French. I feel very confident in him. I like him very much.

“He changed his life. He was 75-80kg I think so. Now he is 67kg. It makes a big difference for climbing eh?

“I think Sky are clean. Absolutely. It’s just jealousy. In my time also when you do good, Frenchmen don’t like it.”

Regarding Froome's decision to subject himself to tests to try and silence the doubters, the 70-year-old said: “No, I don’t believe in that. If that is [what the future holds] it’s the end of cycling.”

Looking ahead to next year's Tour de France, Merckx said: “I don’t think anyone can challenge him. He looks very motivated. The parcours is good for him.”

He also suggested that Froome, who already has one Olympic medal to his name having taken bronze in the time trial behind Sir Bradley Wiggins at London 2012, could clinch gold in Rio next summer, either in that event or the road race.

“Froome has never won a one-day race before but maybe the Olympics will be his first. The course is hard. A lot of climbing. It’s for riders like Chris,” he added.

Merckx was speaking to the Telegraph during a visit to London for the Rouleur Classic last month.

Much like Pele in football, as the elder statesman of his sport, used to receiving huge media attention wherever he goes, he is skilled at tailoring his soundbites to the specific audience of the country he is in.

Some will recall that Merckx himself tested positive three times in his career, and that he gave his backing to Lance Armsgtrong before the American's world crumbled after he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

Praise from Merckx is praise indeed … but is there a danger too that spread too thinly, it can end up coming across as hollow?