original: In 1970, Eddy Merckx rode himself to the brink of collapse while winning the stage.
simplifications: In 1970, Eddy Merckx almost collapsed while performing. Eddy Merckx almost collapsed while on stage in 1970. Eddy Merckx rode himself to the brink of collapse in 1970. He did win. In 1970, Eddy Merckx pushed himself very hard while winning the stage. He nearly collapsed. Eddy Merckx won the stage in 1970.  Afterward, he almost collapsed from exhaustion. In 1970, Eddy Merckx worked until he almost collapsed while doing well on the stage. Eddy Merckx won the contest in 1970 despite pushing himself to nearly faint. In 1970, Eddy Merckx won the stage but almost collapsed. In 1970, Eddy Merckx almost killed himself but won the stage. In 1970, Eddy Merckx rode to the brink of collapse while winning the stage.