...and that is, frankly, his appeal.
he could have also waited for the ITT and stage 4, but he didn't.
and for someone who watched merckx live, that is why he is exciting and that is why these really early comparisons are made. its not about the palmares. it's the style of riding. just doesn't care. ride hard. merckx did that many times with great success. however, he also dragged dozens of wheelsuckers all the way to the finish line and watch them outsprint him. Verbeeck, DeVlaeminck and Dierickx all did that just in the spring classics of 1975. it happened all the time. riders simply hanging on for deal life as merckx attacked from far out, only to beat him in the sprint. really only remco rides that way (and VDP on occasion).
*Before anyone gets their panties in a twist, I am NOT comparing the talent of remco and merckx. simply pointing out why his style of riding is really exciting for some of us.