Jordi Warlop and Bert Van Lerberghe joined their teammate on the podium in Bredene.
Tim Merlier added another national title to his palmares: after becoming Belgian Road Race Champion on two occasions, the 31-year-old won the Belgian Beach Race Championships, held on the penultimate day of the year over a relentless 52km course in Bredene.
One of the best sprinters in the world, with more than 30 victories under his belt since turning pro, Tim showed that he came at the start meaning business and attacked just minutes into the race, forcing a selection. Only a handful of riders could follow the furious tempo pushed by Merlier, who continued to make the difference on the dunes with each kilometer ticked off.
In the end, it came down to a battle between Tim and Soudal Quick-Step teammates Jordi Warlop and Bert Van Lerberghe, and the multiple Grand Tour stage winner prevailed thanks to an impressive burst of speed in the final meters to take the gold medal. Another Soudal Quick-Step rider, Tim Declercq, came home in seventh place, making it a truly memorable Saturday for our squad.
“The start was hard, but I felt good and tried something from the beginning. The peloton got whittled down on the demanding circuit, and on the penultimate lap it was just three riders in front: myself, Jordi and Bert. We could keep our positions and fight for the medals, and I’m happy with taking the top spot after a fantastic day of racing. It feels good to end the year like this and to be joined on the podium by two great teammates”, a clearly delighted Tim said.
Photo credit: ©Christ Dejaegher
