Tim Merlier blasts to victory despite mechanical issue: 'I realised the brake was mine'

The scale of the victory became even more notable afterwards, when the Soudal Quick-Step rider revealed he had launched his sprint with a mechanical issue.

“When I went, I suddenly heard a disc brake rubbing,” Merlier said in the flash interview. “At first I thought someone was in my wheel, but then I realised it was mine.”

Despite the drag, Merlier accelerated decisively, finishing several bike lengths ahead of Fernando Gaviria (Caja-Rural), while Floris Van Tricht (NSN Cycling Team) completed the podium.

The 178 kilometre race from Hasselt to Tongeren had built steadily towards a sprint finish. Early breakaway riders were brought back inside the final 20 kilometres, and a series of late attacks failed to split the peloton for good.

Positioning in the closing phase proved crucial. A technical corner with 1.5 kilometres remaining forced the bunch to compress.

“That corner was very important,” Merlier said. “It turned back quite sharply and there were some stones. Thanks to Bert [Van Lerberghe], I was in a good position there.”

Once in position, the 33-year-old Belgian quickly made up his mind.

“I thought Gaviria was in my wheel,” Merlier added. “So I knew I had to go early, because he’s someone who can launch from far.” 

Merlier did exactly that, opening his sprint early and with enough force to make the result clear well before the finish line, despite the mechanical issue.

The victory marks his second win in four race days this season, following his success at Scheldeprijs, and signals a strong return to form after a winter disrupted by knee problems.

“Everything went as planned,” he said. “We could move up when we wanted and the team controlled things well.”

“I’m still a bit away, especially for the bigger races,” Merlier added. “The important thing now is to keep building form in the coming weeks.”