The 33-year-old Belgian explained his post-race celebration gesture.
Upon crossing the finish line to secure his second consecutive stage victory at this year’s Tour de France, Tim Merlier made history as the first sprinter in three years to achieve back-to-back stage wins. However, it wasn’t just his stunning sprint that garnered attention. Minutes after the finish, the Belgian went to the podium to receive his medal, and just like in Bordeaux, he took off his Oakley sunglasses, carefully placed them in their case, and tossed them to the Bergerac crowd.
For everyone watching, it was a complete surprise. For Merlier, it was a gesture inspired by one of his childhood sporting idols, Belgian motocross legend Stefan Everts.
As a child, Merlier was an avid motocross fan and regularly attended races to watch Everts, who is celebrated as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time, winner of 101 races and ten titles across three different categories. During his post-race celebrations, Everts would often throw his helmet into the crowd, a moment that left a lasting impression on the young Tim.
“I used to go and watch Stefan Everts race in motocross when I was a little boy and he always threw his helmet into the crowd after one of his great victories. That's something I’ve never forgotten. I’ve had this idea in my head for a long time and kept saying to myself I wanted to emulate his gesture, which is why I did it on Friday and now today with my Oakley sunglasses”, said the fastest man in the Tour de France reflecting on his tribute to Stefan Everts, a gesture that could one day become an inspiration to the numerous kids that watched him write history at the race in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
