Tim Merlier slams course design: 'Even Mathieu and Wout skip World and European titles'

“It is a bit of a shame that we now get two championships in quick succession for the same type of rider. Not just for sprinters, but also for classic sprinters. Even Mathieu and Wout are not trying to become World or European champions this year. That says a lot, I think,” Merlier said.

The reigning European Champion stressed that his chances at this level are shrinking. “As a sprinter, I have already had three opportunities to become European Champion, but the World Championships are something else. I can hardly remember a Worlds for sprinters, and I am afraid I will not experience one either. And yet every generation of sprinters deserves a World Championship.”

Merlier is not wrong with his words. The last truly flat edition for sprinters was Doha 2016, where Peter Sagan outsprinted Mark Cavendish after crosswinds had torn the race apart. Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi 2028 and Copenhagen 2029 could finally provide opportunities for the fast men. By then, however, Merlier will be 35 and 36 years old respectively, and it remains to be seen whether he will still be among the very best sprinters.

Despite his criticism, Merlier looks back with pride on his year in the European jersey. He collected seventeen victories, fifteen of them this season. “I am very satisfied and very proud. I have achieved some great wins and I think I have done the European jersey full justice. It might be a bit surprising, but for me, second place in Gent-Wevelgem stands out. I thought it was very special to be on the podium in that jersey.”

Merlier noticed how the value of his European title resonated with fans. “The adrenaline, the emotion and the release I felt at the European Championships I will never forget. At first, I rated the Belgian jersey higher, but I noticed that the European jersey connects more with the public. In terms of colours, I still prefer the Belgian jersey, but with the European jersey I gained more recognition.”

With fifteen wins already this season, Merlier has put together an impressive campaign. Only Tadej Pogačar surpasses him with seventeen victories. “I would love to beat him, but it is becoming tough to match him. I think he’ll show off again on Sunday, and probably in Lombardia as well. If we had adjusted my program, it might still have been possible, but for me, Pogačar is now the deserved king of wins and world champion.”

Today’s Sparkassen Münsterland Giro marks his final outing in the European stripes. He will then line up for Binche-Chimay-Binche and the Tour of Holland before closing his season. “I want to make the victory gesture one more time as European Champion,” the sprinter concluded.