 Merckx opened the 1969 season with victories at the Vuelta a Levante and the Paris – Nice overall, as well as stages in each of the races. On 30 March 1969 Merckx earned his first major victory of the 1969 calendar with his win at the Tour of Flanders. On a rainy day that featured strong winds, he attacked first on the Oude Kwaremont, but a puncture nullified any gains he was able to establish. He made a move on the Kapelmuur and was followed by a few riders. As the wind shifted from a crosswind to a headwind with close to seventy kilometers left to go, Merckx increased the pace and rode solo to victory. The seventeen days after the Tour of Flanders saw Merckx win nine times. He won Milan-San Remo by descending the Poggio at high speeds. Merckx saw victory again in mid-April at the Liège – Bastogne – Liège when he attacked with seventy kilometers remaining in the pouring rain.
