Eddy Merckx won the overall, points, and mountains classifications in the 1969 Tour de France. His sweeping victory remains one of the most dominant performances in the race’s history.
Merckx won the general classification, represented by the yellow jersey, after building a huge advantage in the mountains and time trials. He also led the points competition and the mountains competition. In 1969, the mountains winner did not yet wear the familiar polka-dot jersey; that jersey was introduced in 1975.
The Belgian rider’s first Tour victory was extraordinary in scale. Roger Pingeon finished second, but more than 17 minutes separated him from Merckx. Merckx also won six stages, the combination classification, and the overall combativity award. The achievement is often described as a unique Tour triple: he remains the only rider to win the general, points, and mountains classifications in the same Tour. It helped establish his nickname, “The Cannibal,” for his relentless competitive dominance.