BRUSSELS, Feb 6, 2010 (AFP) – Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx revealed Saturday how he battled cancer several years ago.

“Since my cancer of the intestine I’ve to be careful of what I drink or eat. No more champagne or white wine,” the 64-year-old told the press.

Questions had been asked about his health in the early 2000s after he suffered severe weight loss.

“Things are good now. I have regular check-ups and that works,” added Merckx, who won five Tour de France and five Tour of Italy titles during his career which ended in 1978.

He is currently in Doha where he is helping organize the Tour of Qatar.