The European road champion and one of the best sprinters in the world, Tim Merlierfinished 2nd behind his teammate at Soudal-Quick Step Remco Evenepoel in the ranking of “Flandrien” of the year 2024. Despite a season rich in victories, with 16 successes, the 32-year-old rider was not selected to participate in the Tour de France 2024. In 2025, the Large Loop will start from Lille and will have nearly seven flat stages, which could suit the sprinting qualities of the European champion. However, his selection for the next Tour de France is not yet recorded, as explained Tim Merlier at the media microphone The Newspaperand as also clarified by the boss of Soudal-Quick Step, Patrick Lefevereat the microphone of Sporza.
Video – Lefevere in Flemish about Merlier on the TDF 2025
Tim Merlier: “Will I go to the Tour next season? I haven't been informed yet.”
“Will I go to the Tour next season? I haven't been informed yet. I read that they were going to do the puzzle with me there. I hope my puzzle piece fits. I would like to go to the Tour for a second stage victory and secretly dream of the yellow jersey. I hope Bert Van Lerberghe (my pilot fish) can also come, he can also play a role for Remco Evenepoel“, explains the 32-year-old Belgian.
Patrick Lefevere: “Tim Merlier on the 2025 Tour de France? I could almost say yes, but I don't decide everything.”
“We are going to look into this issue very seriously. I could almost say 'yes', but I don't decide everything. Of course we have to make arrangements, because if we take Bert Van Lerberghe to lead the sprints, they will both have to be able to ride on the plain during the stages which will not end in a sprint. But Tim Merlier can work out his plan, he's a good guy, and a leader like Bert Van Lerberghe can also shelter Remco Evenepoel from the wind. Tim Merlier himself doesn't feel very good about being a leader. I like exercise. We are only allowed to select eight riders. This is a headache for us. Is Remco Evenepoel open to this? Now he says yes. But tomorrow it might be different. No, he says yes,” concludes Lefevere about the presence of the European champion on the roads of the 112th Large Loop.
