The cobbled Classics are now history, but the one-day races continue, and our team’s next appointment will be Ronde van Limburg. The parcours, running from Hasselt to Tongeren, is an undulating one and comprises eight pavé sectors, but despite the many hurdles, the sprinters’ teams usually control the 178.4km race, keeping things together and bringing their leaders in a good position for a bunch sprint.
Victorious in Scheldeprijs last week, Tim Merlier will be at the start of this edition just three days after completing the fastest Paris-Roubaix in history. The 33-year-old fast man will be surrounded by a strong Soudal Quick-Step team comprising former Belgian Champion Yves Lampaert, Fabio Van den Bossche, trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe, and Devo riders Cériel Desal, Joeri Schaper – a top-five finisher last Sunday in Paris-Roubaix Espoirs – and Matijs Van Strijthem.
