After Giro d'Italia, Tim Merlier likely to miss out on Tour de France aswell

After having to miss out on the Giro d'Italia after crashing at Paris-Roubaix, it would seem as if the Belgian sprinter is also likely to not be present at the Tour de France. 

Merlier was written to be the leader of Alpecin-Fenix at the Giro but due to his elbow issues he had to opt out, whereas Jakub Mareczko couldn't fill the empty spot left by the 29-year old. The team led the race for three stages and also won on three occasions, to which Merlier commented on Het Nieuwsblad: "It hurt when I saw my teammates on TV, but I quickly set new goals... I am happy with the three stage wins from the team. Some riders were down when it became clear that I had to forfeit but they have done brilliantly. You also saw that the atmosphere was fantastic, thanks in part to Mathieu van der Poel," who was a constant attacking figure in the race.

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He's still hopeful of being selected to the Tour, although it's unlikely. Last year he took a stage win, however a supporting role for Jasper Philipsen's quest for stages wins and the green jersey would be more likely. "I'll get ready, you never know someone might drop out. I hope that I will be selected for the Vuelta. But I haven't heard from the team yet," he added.

A decision has not been made yet, however it can't be ruled out that Merlier's transfer onto Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team from 2023 onwards may be playing a crucial role in the team's focus on Jasper Philipsen who will be leading the team's ambitions at the Tour. Mathieu van der Poel will also be present in search of stage wins. 

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