Breaking: Tim Merlier signs two-year deal with Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team

The rumours had been circulating for the past few weeks, and today it is said that Tim Merlier's transfer to Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team have been confirmed. Patrick Lefever had already hinted at a high interest on Merlier, and the deal has been signed according to reports.

According to Wielerflits, Merlier has signed a two-year deal with the Belgian team has been agreed on, and is about to be signed. The transfer has been delayed due to Alpecin-Fenix's efforts to keep Merlier in, specially due to their recent announcement of a slight budget increase and official application for the World Tour license starting in 2023.

However, the efforts proved unsuccessful, as it is said that the transfer was a priority on both sides. UAE Team Emirates and Israel - Premier Tech were revealed to also be in contacts with the Belgian sprinter, however Merlier is set to take a spot with the Belgian team that holds a very high reputation in the sprinter field.

Quick-Step will hence remain a two-edged sword when it comes to the sprints, with Merlier set to team up with Fabio Jakobsen in 2023. The 29-year old will take the place that is expected to be left by Mark Cavendish who has been heavily hinted to be leaving at the end of the season. Merlier was a double Grand Tour stage winner last season - with wins at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France - and has established himself as one of the fastest finishers in the peloton.