"I saw a gap and tried to surprise the rest" - Tim Merlier reacts to super sprint that secured back to back UAE Tour wins

Tim Merlier secured his second stage victory at the UAE Tour, delivering a brilliant performance in Stage 6 that caught Jasper Philipsen and Jonathan Milan off guard. Despite challenging conditions, the Belgian sprinter executed a perfectly timed move to clinch the win.

"I was in a washing machine in the last kilometer, but with 300 meters to go I saw a gap and tried to surprise the rest," Merlier said after the race.

The final sprint was anything but straightforward, as Merlier had to navigate a strong headwind and a disrupted lead-out train. "Unfortunately, there was a strong headwind, so it was very tough," he admitted.

Adding to the difficulties, his lead-out rider was impacted by crashes from the previous stage, making it even harder to stay organized. "It was difficult to stay organized in the final. My lead-out was one of the victims of the crashes yesterday, but he did what he could do today," he explained.

Merlier found himself in a difficult position with 1.9 kilometers to go, boxed in and seemingly out of contention. "I lost him with 1.9 kilometers to go and I thought I couldn't win anymore because I was always boxed in. But like I said, I saw an opportunity with 300 meters to go," he added.

Despite the chaotic sprint, Merlier made the most of the moment, capitalizing on a gap and delivering a decisive burst of power to the line. "It feels like any other chance I take," he said, reflecting on his ability to seize opportunities in fast finishes.

With this latest success, Merlier now boasts seven stage wins at the UAE Tour, a race he clearly thrives in. "I love these kinds of stage races. Normally I will come back to the UAE Tour next year to try to win again," he confirmed.