The Belgian finished runner-up following an incredibly tight bunch sprint.
Tim Merlier came close to picking up his first victory at this year’s edition, after a day of non-stop action, which saw the strong winds split the peloton into pieces several times. The European Champion was always on the right side of the split, the first time with Bert Van Lerberghe by his sidem and later with the entire Soudal Quick-Step team, who drilled it hard at the front, keeping Tim protected on the wide, exposed roads to Umm al Quwain.
On paper, it should have been a straightforward day for the UAE Tour bunch, but instead it turned out to be one of maximum panic for many of the sprinters and general classification contenders, who missed the cut when the peloton got shattered in the crosswinds and had to chase hard in order to come back, the catch being made with just three kilometers to go.
In the final kilometer, Van Lerberghe did an excellent job, navigating through the field with Tim Merlier glued to his wheel. Knowing there was a strong headwind at the finish, the Belgian waited for the last 150 meters to pounce, unleashing a huge speed that almost brought him his third success of the season, mere centimeters separating him in Thursday’s exciting blanket finish from Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), who took the win.
It was our team’s tenth podium since the start of the year and an impressive display of speed from the 32-year-old Belgian, who’ll have two more opportunities at this edition to take a stage win.
“It was a hard day with echelons twice, but I was there each time and the team did a great job. I was in a quite good position as we approached the line, but I just missed a bit of slipstream in the final 500 meters. We’ll see what we can do in the next two flat stages here, as I remain confident in my chances”, said Tim at the finish.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
