'I might be a bit too fresh'- Tim Merlier reflects on hectic sprint finish at Baloise Belgium Tour

Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) claimed victory on the opening stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour with a well-timed sprint, in what was a pretty chaotic finish in Knokke-Heist. This is the second successive year that the European champion has won the opening road stage, which on both occasions finished in Knokke-Heist.

Juan Sebastián Molano (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) finished 2nd, whilst Ethan Vernon (Israel-Premier Tech) ended 3rd. In the final few hundred metres, there was a near miss for Jasper Philipsen, who did very well to avoid crashing, but naturally, as a consequence, the Belgian didn't feature in the top 10. 

For Merlier, this stage served as the perfect start to the Baloise Belgium Tour, as the Belgian prepares himself for the upcoming Tour de France, where he will be eyeing the opening stage win and yellow jersey.

"I had to make the decision just before the last kilometre to leave Bert [Van Lerberghe], they were coming on the right and otherwise I would be boxed in," Merlier explained to Sporza when recounting his sprint shortly after the stage finish.

The Belgian sprinter faced a hectic finale that required quick thinking and multiple adjustments. "At the moment I want to move up, all sorts of things happen. I had to keep my legs still and swerve 3-4 more times. I don't even know where I started my sprint from, it was a bit too far." Merlier actually began his sprint from 300 metres out and continued the effort in style, all the way to the line up the mini-kicker in Knokke-Heist.

Despite the challenges in positioning during the critical final kilometre, Merlier praised his team's overall performance throughout the race.

"The team controlled well. In the final phase after the Golden Kilometre, there was another attack attempt, and then you know that no strong men should escape, because otherwise they are difficult to catch," he said.

The teamwork nearly paid off perfectly, with just minor issues in the closing moments. "The lead-out was very good, only the last kilometre goes a bit wrong, but we still managed to take control."

For Merlier, this race represents an important stepping stone in his preparation for the Tour de France. His condition appears to be on track, though he notes a contrast to his preparation last season.
"Last year I was a bit tired during this period, now I might be a bit too fresh. The racing kilometers here will do good," Merlier concluded.