The European Champion keeps the ball rolling, picking up his 16th victory of the season.
Tim Merlier made it three wins in the space of just one week: after conquering the continental title last Sunday and prevailing in the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen two days ago, Soudal Quick-Step’s 31-year-old was again the fastest, this time at 195.8km Gooikse Pijl, one of the last Belgian races of the season.
Just like on Friday, our team took the front of the peloton as soon as a breakaway formed, pushing a steady tempo that kept the escapees’ gap in check at all times. Other squads joined the pace-setting, making sure the leaders would be brought back before the final ten kilometers, where the sprint trains began jostling for position.
In what was a hectic final part of the race, Tim Merlier was brought by his teammates in a good position when it mattered the most and opened up the sprint from the distance, producing a phenomenal turn of speed. Despite a late charge of Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe), he held off his countryman and celebrated the 50th victory of his career.
“It was a nervous day of racing, typical for a Belgian race. We gave our best to close the gap, then in the lost kilometers I lost some places, but managed to come back thanks to a great effort of the team. The sprint was a bit uphill, which meant it was important to launch the sprint at the right moment, and I’m glad I made it again today. It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy. It’s a great feeling to rack up my 50th pro win in front of my home fans, with the European Champion jersey on my shoulders”, Tim said after the race.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
