Although he crossed the line in second place, Tim Merlier was notable by his absence from the top-10 in the official results of stage 11 at the 2024 Giro d'Italia. Now, we know why.
The race jury at the Italian Grand Tour have adjudged the Soudal - Quick-Step sprinter to have diverted from his line in the sprint, blocking Juan Sebastian Molano in the process and forcing the UAE Team Emirates man into the barriers as a result. Jonathan Milan remains the winner of the day but as a result of Merlier's relegation, Kaden Groves rises to second place with Giovanni Lonardi taking third.
Tim Merlier has been relegated, according to RAI. Rewatching the sprint, I think it's the correct decision. Molano came at a high speed and even if Tim had no idea he's coming there, he blocked him. #GirodItalia
Curious to see if Tim Merlier will be relegated. Not an easy decision because he took the front and I don't think Molano would have passed him anyway. But well he changed his lane... #GirodItalia
💐 The podium of Stage 1️⃣1️⃣ : 🥇 🇮🇹 @MilanJonathan_ (LTK) 🥈 🇦🇺 @kaden_groves (ADC) 🥉 🇮🇹 Giovanni Lonardi (PTK) #GirodItalia
