“I'm certainly open to it” – Tim Merlier welcomes Tour de France partnership with Paul Magnier despite growing Soudal selection dilemma
Cycling
Tim Merlier has welcomed the possibility of racing alongside Paul Magnier at the 2027 Tour de France, despite acknowledging that Soudal – Quick-Step could ultimately decide against selecting both of their star sprinters. With the pair combining for 29 victories in 2026, including three Grand Tour stage wins apiece, the Belgian team faces a difficult choice over how to approach next summer's race.
Merlier claimed three victories at this year's Tour de France, while 22-year-old Magnier marked his Giro d'Italia campaign with three stage wins and the points classification. The Frenchman's rapid development has strengthened his case for a Tour debut, although Merlier's six career stage victories at La Grande Boucle make leaving him out an equally difficult proposition.
Merlier opens door to sharing Tour de France squad with Magnier
Speaking to WielerFlits following Thursday's 2027 Tour route presentation in Paris, Merlier was asked whether the two could line up together next July. "That will become clear over the coming weeks, once we've had the chance to study the routes of all three Grand Tours in greater detail. I'm certainly open to it," the Belgian replied.
Tim Merlier during the 2026 Tour de France
Magnier's case for selection has strengthened considerably over the past twelve months. The 22-year-old made an immediate impression on his Grand Tour debut at the Giro, winning the opening stage to take the maglia rosa before adding another two victories and securing the points classification.
Merlier, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the most successful sprinters in recent Tour history, taking his career tally to six stage victories with another three wins in 2026. His experience and consistency make him an obvious candidate to lead Soudal's sprint ambitions again, even as Magnier pushes for his first appearance at his home Grand Tour.
The Belgian's willingness to consider a shared selection gives the team another option, although accommodating two leading sprinters within an eight-man squad would bring its own tactical considerations. Both would arrive with ambitions of adding to their Grand Tour records, while the team must also balance its sprinting strength against the demands of the race's more difficult stages.
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First yellow jersey and seven potential sprint opportunities
The newly unveiled route offers plenty of encouragement for the fast men, with six or potentially seven stages that could finish in bunch sprints. Whether all those opportunities materialise will depend on how the racing unfolds, particularly on the hillier days.
"Let's hope we can make that happen. If we really do get six or seven bunch sprints, that would be fantastic," Merlier said.
The opening stage from Edinburgh to Carlisle on 2 July is particularly appealing. At 185 kilometres, the relatively flat parcours could offer the sprinters an immediate opportunity to claim the first yellow jersey of the Tour, adding another prize to Merlier's ambitions should he be selected.
"Of course, that brings a lot of pressure, but it's a fantastic opportunity if the stage really does come down to a sprint," he explained. "I've gained quite a bit of experience in the peloton by now, and I've sprinted in the opening stage of a stage race plenty of times. I should be able to handle the pressure."
Magnier has already experienced the responsibility of leading a Grand Tour following his opening-stage Giro triumph, while Merlier's six Tour victories underline his credentials for another shot at yellow.
Soudal, who will race as Soudal Safety Jogger in 2027, have yet to confirm how their two leading sprinters will be deployed across the three Grand Tours. With both riders enjoying successful seasons and the Tour offering numerous opportunities for victories, the route discussions over the coming weeks will help determine whether Merlier and Magnier line up together in Edinburgh on 2 July.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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