The two-time Belgian Champion delivered the team’s 27th success since the start of the season.
Tim Merlier picked up his 13th win of the year after producing another hugely impressive sprint at the end of Friday’s 187.6km stage five, which started and finished in Katowice. The most successful sprinter of 2024, the 31-year-old Belgian blasted around his rivals in the last 200 meters, putting a bike length into them as he made it 47 career pro victories – half of these having come in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey.
Our team controlled things from the very beginning by posting Ayco Bastiaens at the front of the peloton, who did a tremendous job controlling the breakaway and almost single-handedly reeling in the front trio before the final ten kilometers. Brought towards the front by his teammates, including Bert Van Lerberghe – who made sure his countryman was where he needed to be going under the red kite – Merlier measured his sprint perfectly and powered to a clear success, his third in two participations.
“First of all, I want to thank Ayco. He put in a strong effort, pulling almost by himself the entire stage. Then the guys kept me in the front, which allowed us to take the last corner as we wanted. I timed my acceleration perfectly, anticipating a bit, but had enough to keep it until the line. It’s a victory that makes me happy.”
“We were disappointed after Thursday’s hectic finish and were really motivated for today. Not having radios during the stage made it a bit more nervous, but we managed to keep our composure and produce a great effort to score this win. The race hasn’t been easy until now, with that hard start and the high temperatures, but we remained confident the whole time and and we can be proud of what we achieved today”, said Tim – the first Belgian in 66 years to amass three stage victories at the Tour de Pologne – who together with Paul Magnier and Warre Vangheluwe took to the podium to receive the best team of the day award.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
