Tim Merlier leads the line for our squad at this week’s race.
Three days for the sprinters, one for the time trial specialists and the traditional stage to Geraardsbergen – taking in a total of twenty climbs, including the mythical Bosberg and Muur-Kapelmuur – are on the menu of the Renewi Tour, which this year celebrates its 20th edition.
Running between 28 August-1 September, this 30th World Tour race of the season will see Soudal Quick-Step come to the start in Riemst with Ayco Bastiaens, Josef Cerny, former Belgian Champion Yves Lampaert, most successful sprinter of the season Tim Merlier, Bert Van Lerberghe, Ilan Van Wilder and Warre Vangheluwe, the young Belgian neo-pro who has impressed this year by taking a stunning solo victory at the Quatre Jours de Dunkerque.
“Our main goal for the Renewi Tour will be to take a stage victory with Tim. He has been one of the most impressive riders of the season, is in good form and has a strong team that can help him in the sprints. Concerning the general classification, we’re curious to see what Ilan – who is doing this race for the first time in his career – can do. The 15.4km ITT and the hard stage finishing on the slopes of the Muur will be decisive for the standings and we are looking forward to finding out where he will end up on Sunday”, explained Soudal Quick-Step sports director Tom Steels.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
Yves Lampaert 
Josef Černý 
