Tim Merlier won his second stage victory on the final act of Baloise Tour of Belgium this Sunday in Brussels. The Belgian sprinted ahead Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Tom Van Asbroeck (Israel-Premier Tech). The member of the Soudal Quick-Step had already raised his arms during this week of racing, during the 2nd day in Knokke. And more broadly, the ex-Belgian champion has just scored the 12th victory of his season, with style in his words in the mixed zone: “It was my best of three sprints.”
Tim Merlier victorious in the recent Tour of Italy
“I did a good sprint…”
“On the second sprint opportunity I was locked in, remember Tim Merlier. At the time, I had a pretty good estimate of it, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. Today I did a good sprint.” And it was the final packaging that he preferred, “because it’s over”, he laughed, before continuing: “Around the two kilometer mark, Bert (van Lerberghe, his pilot fish) and I were both in a good position. Then he made the decision to lace up, because I was in a good position. From there , it was time to go to the last corner to negotiate it well. I came out in an ideal position and I was able to do my sprint as I wanted.” Next step: the Belgian championships: “I’m going to try to be as fresh there as possible.”
