Merlier to miss Opening Weekend as knee problem lingers
Soudal Quick-Step sprinter Tim Merlier is facing a short spell on the sidelines after knee irritation resurfaced during the team’s January training camp. CEO Jurgen Foré told HLN that Merlier will miss Opening Weekend, with a return targeted for mid to late March.
Tim Merlier’s winter preparation has been disrupted by recurring knee irritation. Speaking to HLN, Soudal Quick-Step CEO Jurgen Foré confirmed the Belgian will skip Opening Weekend, with an earliest return to racing pencilled in for mid to late March.
Merlier, who won 16 races in 2025, first felt irritation in his left knee at the start of December after competing in the Boonen and Friends cyclocross event, an issue that was treated successfully. He resumed training at the December camp, but then developed problems in his right knee. After a short pause, he built back up carefully at the January camp, alongside extra strengthening work.
"It seemed to be going well, but last Wednesday, at the end of the training camp, he got pain in his right knee again," Foré told HLN. "We immediately intervened, treated that knee again and prescribed ten days’ rest. Next Monday, we will see if the problem is over."
Despite the setback, Fore stressed the issue is manageable. "It’s not a serious injury. Tim can walk and run pain-free, but during the cycling movement, he suffers. We know the cause and the decision of the medical staff is to take a very conservative approach with rest and exercises."
With uninterrupted training still out of reach, the team has adjusted expectations for his return. "The Opening Weekend is unfeasible for Tim," Fore said. "He has not been able to train for two weeks without any problems. He will not be able to race until mid-March or the end of March at the earliest."
Merlier’s exact comeback race has yet to be confirmed. The timing is a frustration, too, as he would have relished the chance to shine on Opening Weekend, one of the few major Belgian appointments where he has not yet delivered a standout result.
Based on Fore’s projection of a return in mid to late March, Merlier should still be in line to race Gent-Wevelgem, now branded In Flanders Fields from Middelkerke to Wevelgem. He has recently identified the race as a key target, and it also carries personal meaning because of his relationship with Cameron Vandenbroucke, the daughter of 1998 winner Frank Vandenbroucke.
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