19/03/2023

Tim Merlier - "I've been hearing more and more that I'm a better rider than written"

With each passing race, Tim Merlier is demonstrating that he is not a lesser-known figure in the cycling peloton. His recent victory at Danilith Nokere Koerse marks his sixth win of the season.

Some have put forth his name as a possible candidate for the world championship in Glasgow this year. Nonetheless, in the latest episode of Wielerclub Wattage, which includes Ruben Van Gucht, Tom Boonen, Jan Bakelants, and Dirk De Wolf, they all unanimously disagreed with this notion.

"The sprint was not like last year, but it was enough" - Tim Merlier takes second consecutive Nokere Koerse win

"Merlier is a very good sprinter who can win stages in all stage races. But such a World Championship is 260 kilometers long and the places in the Belgian selection are expensive.” However, when Merlier himself was asked about this opinion he was quick to defend himself.

"Sometimes, I even feel that I am not considered a complete rider. I regret that.I notice that I am still making progress every year, but I still have a lot to learn. Lately, I've been hearing more and more that I'm a better rider than written," the Belgian told Sporza.

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Regarding the primary question, he maintains that he could be a strong contender for the world championship, but there are no certainties. "If I have a chance, I will certainly do everything I can to earn my place in the selection.If I'm not good enough to win, I can also sacrifice myself for the leaders. Remco is a teammate and I get along very well with Wout,” concluded Merlier.