The last Belgian to have won Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen, Tim Merlier is ready to lead the team at the 110th edition of the Belgian race which usually comes down to a bunch sprint. One of the fastest riders in the world and a triple stage victor at this year’s Tour de France, the former European Champion will be supported by a strong Soudal Quick-Step team consisting of Ayco Bastiaens, Laurenz Rex, Bert Van Lerberghe, as well as three Devo riders: Joeri Schaper, Lars Vanden Heede, and Matijs Van Strijthem.
“Koolskamp is a sprinters’ race and we have one of the best guys in the business, so Tim will naturally be our leader and we’ll do our best to have a mass gallop at the end of the day and help our sprinter get his second victory here”, explained Soudal Quick-Step sports director Sep Vanmarcke.
