Legendary cyclist Merckx discharged from hospital

Legendary Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx was discharged from hospital on Friday following complications after a hip fracture, his wife Claudine told Belgian daily newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Merckx was hospitalised on July 13 due to repeated complications related to the fitting of a hip prosthesis following a cycling accident last December.

The five-time Tour de France winner also developed a skin infection that required heavy antibiotic treatment, he told AFP in June during a reception to mark his 80th birthday.

Merckx will have to return to the hospital within a month to have a new, permanent prosthesis fitted. In the meantime, he will be housebound.

"For now, Eddy is just happy to be able to go home. He feels most comfortable in his familiar surroundings," said his wife.