The 31-year-old Belgian was in a league of his own in Brussels.
Tim Merlier made it two victories at the Belgium Tour after unleashing another brilliant sprint, this time on the final stage of the race, that concluded not far from the Atomium, the impressive landmark building constructed for the famous 1958 World Fair, which has become since the most popular attraction of Brussels.
The most successful sprinter of the season, Merlier benefitted again from the excellent job of his Soudal Quick-Step teammates, who controlled the stage until the closing kilometers. After Bert Van Lerberghe expertly moved him through the field, Tim decided to enter the last bend in third position, and it was from there that he blasted past Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to win by several bike lengths and make it twelve successes since the start of the season.
“Two victories in the Belgium Tour, where I had never won before, means I can be happy with my week. We were in a good position going into the final kilometers, keeping the speed high, and when the other sprint trains came into the frame, I decided to remain in third wheel and start my sprint from there. Beating Jasper again, who is one of the fastest guys out there, makes me really proud”, Merlier said after the race which teammate Kasper Asgreen finished in sixth place overall.
“The squad had a great week here and we can all be proud of what we achieved together. These two victories and the form I had give me a lot of confidence and motivation for the National Championships. I did a recon of the parcours and I am looking forward to next Sunday’s race”, added Tim, the first Belgian rider in 18 years to amass a dozen victories before the Nationals.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
