Two bunch sprints, two wins for the European Champion.
Tim Merlier returned at the top of the points classification after another impeccable sprint in Saudi Arabia, this time in Tayma Fort, where the third stage of the race concluded. It was the Belgian’s tenth success in the Middle East, and his fourth at the AlUla Tour in just two starts there.
The longest stage of the race saw the bunch leave behind Hegra – one of the major places of the Nabataean civilization more than 2000 years ago and a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site nowadays – and take on an undulating course that didn’t put any problems to the sprinters’ teams, who easily controlled the seven-man breakaway.
Ayco Bastiaens was once again on pace-setting duties, spending dozens of kilometers at the front of the bunch and working tirelessly to claw back time. The breakaway was caught just before the crosswinds wreaked havoc, leaving some 40-odd riders in the front group. It was the cue for Soudal Quick-Step to put down the hammer and push hard in the last 30 kilometers together with other teams to distance those caught out the back.
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In the hectic finale, Bert Van Lerberghe again did a phenomenal job, guiding Tim through the many corners and launching him 200 meters from the line. The European Champion put in a monster sprint on the urban cobbles of Tayma Fort and won by a bike length – a success that will see him sport the red jersey on the penultimate day of the race.
“I can’t say I was stressed in the echelons, because I had a good team around me and they put in another superb effort to keep me protected. I felt good today, the final kilometers were a bit hectic, but we remained calm despite some confusion there and Bert did a superb job once again. As I exited the last corner I just went full gas until the finish, and now I’m delighted that I could celebrate another win in this part of the world, where I enjoy racing”, a happy Tim said after the stage.
Photo credit: ©Szymon Gruchalski / Getty Images
