Tim Merlier
Tim Merlier (born 30 October 1992 in Kortrijk, Belgium) is a proven top-tier sprinter racing for Soudal Quick-Step. With Grand Tour stage wins across both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, he has established himself as one of the most reliable fast finishers in the peloton. Merlier combines raw power with strong positioning skills and continues to deliver consistent results on flat and slightly uphill sprint stages. Find Tim Merlier’s latest results, stats and race calendar on this page.
Biography of pro cyclist Tim Merlier
Tim Merlier has become one of the most consistent and explosive sprinters in the sport. Known for his raw power and fast finishes, Merlier is a two-time Belgian national champion with stage wins in both the Giro and the Tour. In 2024, he added a European Championship title and three Giro stage wins to his growing palmarès.
Early life and rise
Born in 1992 in Kortrijk, Merlier began his career in cyclo-cross, winning the Belgian junior title. He transitioned to road racing in his mid-20s and scored his first big win in 2019 by taking the Belgian national road race title. That result helped him earn a spot with Alpecin, where he developed into a top-level sprinter.
Breakthrough performances
Merlier’s big year was 2021. He won Scheldeprijs, a Giro d’Italia stage, and then stunned the Tour de France by winning stage 3 in a bunch sprint. That Tour win cemented his place as a Grand Tour sprinter and elevated his international profile.
Major results and highlights
By 2024, Merlier had claimed multiple Grand Tour stage wins, including four in the Giro. He won Scheldeprijs twice, Brussels Cycling Classic, Le Samyn and three consecutive editions of Nokere Koerse. His European Championship win in 2024 on home soil was a career highlight.
Style and strengths
Merlier is a powerful sprinter who thrives on flat, fast finishes. He builds long sprints from 200 meters out and uses his track-like strength to hold off challengers. His lead-out chemistry with Bert Van Lerberghe is one of the most reliable in the peloton.
Rivalries and team role
Merlier’s former rivalry with Philipsen at Alpecin ended when he moved to Soudal Quick-Step. Within Quick-Step, he is the protected sprinter with a fully dedicated lead-out.
Personal life
Merlier lives in Wortegem-Petegem and is partnered with Cameron Vandenbroucke, daughter of cycling great Frank Vandenbroucke. They have a son, Jules. He’s known for his modesty, love of motocross and loyalty to his team and family.
Salary Tim Merlier
Merlier signed an extension with Soudal Quick-Step through 2028, reportedly earning around €1.5 million annually.
Records and milestones
- One of the few sprinters to win stages in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same season
- Winner of three consecutive editions of Nokere Koerse
- European road race champion in 2024
- Surpassed 50 professional career victories by 2025
