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The day when I start a race without intending to win it, I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror.
Eddy Merckx
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of striving for success and giving your best effort in everything you do.

Eddy Merckx's quote reflects a deep commitment to the pursuit of excellence. He implies that participating in a race or any challenge should come with the intention of winning or succeeding; otherwise, it undermines one's integrity and self-respect. By equating the drive to win with self-worth, Merckx encourages a mindset where effort and ambition are paramount.

Themes

MotivationEffortSuccessWinningIntegrity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used as a motivational speech for athletes before a competition.

More from Eddy Merckx

You had to be strong in the head... training, training and training. That is the only way, even if you have big talent.
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It's not like at university where you graduate. Every cyclist must start again. At the end of the season you know if you are good or not.
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Cycling is a sport of the people. How many people in the world have never been on a bike? Not many.
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I do not want to continue cycling until I am 35. I want to make something else out of my life, too. There are other things besides a bike and racing.
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I have decided to give up competition. I cannot train properly for the Tour de France which I had hoped to ride for the last time as apotheosis to my career. Doctors are forbidding me to ride anymore in high level competition and I bow to them.
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I was a more aggressive rider than Armstrong. I would attack more often. He waits for the other guys, then counter-attacks.
Eddy MerckxRead

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