"Even Mathieu and Wout aren't trying to become World or European champions" - Tim Merlier highly critical of climber-focused courses

More and more in modern cycling the World and European Championships have been changing focus towards more climber-focused races, with the argument of it favouring more spectacular racing - specially over traditional sprints. However, the still-reigning European Champion Tim Merlier is highly critical of this choice, in a year with both races are climber-oriented.

"It's a bit of a shame that we're now getting two championships in quick succession for the same type of rider. Not just for sprinters, but also for classic sprinters. Even Mathieu and Wout aren't trying to become world or European champions this year," Merlier told Sporza this morning in a direct attack on the race organizers. Obviously as a sprinter he would favour easier courses, but the fast men now rarely encounter opportunities to wear special jerseys.

"That says a lot, I think. As a sprinter, I've already had three chances to become European champions, but the world championships are something else. I can hardly remember a World Championship for sprinters, and I'm afraid I won't experience one either," the Belgian fears. "And yet every generation of sprinters deserves a World Championship." Merlier, as one of the best in the world, could on paper still contest the 2028 Abu Dhabi Worlds, if he maintains his current level as one of the world's best (and if the profile is confirmed to suit the sprinters).

This year however he has to settle for the wins. 15 of them so far, although that may change today. Can he beat Tadej Pogacar? "I'd love to beat him, but it's already becoming difficult to match him. I think he'll show off again on Sunday, and probably in Lombardia as well. If we'd adjusted my program, it might still have been possible, but for me, Pogacar is now the deserved king of victories and world champion."

With today's Sparkassen Münsterland Giro, Merlier closes a beautiful chapter in his career after having won the European Championships last year. He has a good chance of succeeding too in his last opportunity with the jersey today, although he faces a very tough field including the likes of Jasper Philipsen and Olav Kooij.

"I'm very satisfied and very proud. I've achieved some great victories and I think I've done the European jersey full justice. It might be a bit surprising, but for me, second place in Gent-Wevelgem stands out," he admits. "I thought it was very special to stand on the podium in that jersey."

At the Tour de France he was also able to win on two occasions with his Soudal - Quick-Step teammates. "I was very proud to race with it. I'll never forget the adrenaline, the emotion, and the release I felt at the European Championships. At first, I rated the Belgian jersey higher, but I've noticed that the European jersey resonates a bit more with the public. As for colors, the Belgian jersey is my preference, but with the European jersey, I've gained more recognition," he concluded.