Soudal-QuickStep had been as soon as the dominant power within the Spring Classics, monstering opposition with a number of leaders like Tom Boonen, Niki Terpstra and Philippe Gilbert at instances all through the previous 20 years. However after a disastrous marketing campaign at their dwelling races in 2024, a second-place end at Gent-Wevelgem was greater than they might have hoped for.
It got here via star sprinter Tim Merlier on Sunday after a day of complete struggling, as he outsprinted Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) to the road in Wevelgem, denying the American staff a 1-2 end alongside solo winner Mads Pedersen.
Merlier wasn’t even meant to begin the brutal 250km one-day Traditional, his bandaged proper knee exhibiting simply why that was after he crashed closely within the Traditional Brugge-De Panne simply 4 days prior and required stitching. His staff had perception, nevertheless, and it paid off.
“After Wednesday, I stated to Iljo [Keisse, Soudal QuickStep DS], ‘I do not need to begin right this moment as a result of I by no means could be prepared’. However he left me on the record and introduced me over right here. So ultimately, I must say thanks to Iljo,” stated Merlier in his flash interview.
With motion opening up in early crosswinds via De Moeren, Merlier discovered himself chasing arduous with teammates Yves Lampaert and Louis Vervaeke bailing him out first earlier than he needed to take issues into his personal legs.
“It did not damage within the race however the feeling was not that good. After the echelons, I closed the hole alone – I believe I killed myself there a bit,” admitted Merlier within the combined zone to reporters.
“The primary time up the Kemmel was actually, actually dangerous, however after the primary Plugstreet we got here again and I say to myself ‘Now I do my all’. I used to be struggling quite a bit but it surely got here each time again collectively and ultimately, I gained the dash.
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“I am actually proud of my second place right this moment.”
Merlier’s staff confronted some criticism post-race from Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), who thought that the likes of QuickStep ought to have contributed extra in chasing down solo winner Pedersen, who solely completed 49 seconds forward ultimately after a disconcerted effort behind.
The Belgian sprinter and staff employees revealed that this was merely right down to the legs not being there for Merlier, who wished extra of a lead-out towards Milan somewhat than a better tempo after his earlier struggles.
“They requested me from the automotive what the sensation was and I stated ‘The legs weren’t that good anymore’, so we had been all on the restrict,” stated Merlier.
“It was fairly clear, then they requested how I wished to do [the finale] and if I wished to place Paul [Magnier] within the entrance, however I requested to have Bert [Van Lerberghe] and Paul within the lead-out and we simply should be proud of second place right this moment.”
“After the Kemmel we decided to journey all collectively and second place was the very best place we may have right this moment,” Soudal-QuickStep DS Wilfried Peeters instructed Cyclingnews.
“When the Kemmelberg comes 30k from the end line, it is too shut for closing down that assault. Round 2 minutes was an excessive amount of, positive with the wind from behind then perhaps it is attainable, however the very best rider gained right this moment.”
This end result from Merlier follows on from successes at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 Saxo Traditional for the once-dominant Belgian cobbled squad, who’re rebuilding after a disastrous marketing campaign of their dwelling races final 12 months.
Though the times of Boonen, Terpstra or Gilbert tearing issues up within the iconic blue and white jerseys, when a second place at Wevelgem would have been a poor end result, particularly for the previous who gained it 3 times, considering realistically from the place they had been in 2024, QuickStep ought to and will solely be glad.
“This race was a aim for the staff and earlier than, this staff would have been perhaps disenchanted with second place, however right this moment we could be completely satisfied,” stated Merlier.
“We have now a second place and ultimately, I believe the very best end result we may have executed,” agreed Peeters.
“We have now second in Omloop, fourth in E3 and second right here. We could not have gained however ultimately, for the Classics, we have not made dangerous outcomes.”
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