The European Champion is confident and motivated ahead of his third year with our team.
Just like in 2023 and 2024, Tim Merlier will kick off his campaign in the Middle East, at one of the region’s most important races, the AlUla Tour, which between 28 January-1 February will hold its fifth edition. Last year, the two-time Belgian Champion picked up two impressive wins that helped him seal the points classification there before travelling to the UAE Tour.
The World Tour event, which will now take place between 17-23 February, was another competition on which Soudal Quick-Step’s fast man made a significant impact in 2024, sailing to three stage victories and the green jersey, a feat not seen since the race’s creation. Now, Tim – who has recently agreed to extend his contract with the Wolfpack until the end of 2028 – will be back at the start of the two races clad in the beautiful European Champion jersey, and will be hoping for another strong outing.
“I’m aiming for another strong start to the season and I don’t think that’s a secret. It would be nice to win more stages again in AlUla and UAE. At the same time, it will be special to have this special jersey on my shoulders, but I won’t feel any pressure, as I’ve already won dressed in it since my victory at the European Championships, last September”, said 32-year-old Tim ahead of his third season as a Soudal Quick-Step rider. “From the Middle East I will return home and then focus on my first race there, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. It’s an important classic that on paper could end up in a bunch sprint, so it would be nice if this were the case again, as I’d very much like to be in the fight for victory.”
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
