Four other Belgians are in the top 10 of today’s race: Lionel Taminiaux 4th (Lotto Dstny), Gerben Thijssen 5th (Intermarché-Wanty), Jordi Meeus 6th (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Jules Gesters 10th (Flanders-Baloise).
Five days after his success in the road race of the European Championships, Merlier has won the 49th victory of his career and already the 15th of a very prolific 2024 season. This year he notably won three stages on the Giro d’Italia and on the UAE Tour as well as two stages on the Tour of Belgium, and the Grand Prix de l’Escaut.
Alex Colman (Flanders-Baloise), Swiss Fabio Christen (Q36.5) and Dutchman Sam Gademan (VolkerWessels) were the main drivers of the day. A crash occurred in the peloton 11 km from the finish. Australian sprinter Sam Welsford (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) was involved in this crash.
Christen, the last survivor of the breakaway, was caught 8 kilometers from the line. Shortly after the red flame, the Soudal Quick-Step train got into position to launch Merlier in the best possible way. Jasper Philipsen started the sprint but was caught by the European champion in the last hectometres of the race.
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