"I was building up to the Vuelta, so I am curious how the condition is now" - Tim Merlier looking for stage wins at the Tour de Pologne

Tim Merlier has had a change in schedule as Soudal - Quick-Step changed attention towards GC at the Vuelta a Espana. The Belgian will hence not ride a Grand Tour this year, he begins the final part of his season today at the Tour de Pologne.

"I was building up to the Vuelta, so I'm curious how my condition is now. I'm standing here with a good feeling," Merlier told Wielerflits at the start of stage 1. "I rested and built up for a period. I had a good season, so now I will try to continue that here."

A lineup that includes plenty climbers and puncheurs, Merlier will have the support of Bert van Lerberghe. He was not struck hard by his absence from the Vuelta and instead focuses on the new schedule he's got ahead. "You have to, you can't sit still. I was building up to the Vuelta, so I am curious how the condition is now.”

“I will try to win a stage, like all the other sprinters here. Every sprinter who is not in the Tour is here," he concludes. The opening day of the Polish race will suit his attributes quite well, and he has the chance to pull on the first leader's jersey.