𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 #𝟒𝐉𝐃𝐃! Belgian Champion @MerlierTim wins the final stage with a great sprint! #WayToRide #No25in2023 Photo: @GettySport
"I'm finally starting to feel a bit like myself again" - Soudal - Quick-Step rebuild at 4 Jours de Dunkerque as Asgreen finishes second and Merlier wins final stage
CyclingMonday, 22 May 2023 at 10:50
Tim Merlier did not have the best of performances at the 4 Jours de Dunkerque, but was able to sprint to victory on the final day of the race. The Belgian champion was satisfied with the result, as Kasper Asgreen secured his second place in the overall classification.
“I am very happy for myself and the team that I was able to book this stage victory," Merlier said in a post-race interview. “There was a big breakaway adventure and it wasn't easy to get them back. However, the team was strong and I am grateful to them for that. In the sprint I was boxed in a bit, but I found Bert [van Lerberghe] again and he put me in good position. Someone from Uno-X (Blikra, ed.) attacked from afar, so I still had to pass him. Fortunately, I succeeded and was able to share this victory with some family members who were here, which makes it extra special.”
Merlier, who last won a pro race at the Nokere Koerse, has secured another strong result which was needed in the French race. A participation in the Tour de France is unlikely, but not impossible, and the Belgian must win big if he wants to improve his chances. He took home the final stage of the French race, the first (without counting criteriums) race since Paris-Roubaix. He will race the Marcel Kint Classic this next weekend in search of another triumph.
"It is nice to return to competition after a few weeks of rest and training in Denmark and Andorra," Kasper Asgreen, who raced to second in the overall classification, after the same time off competition. "That was good for my form, I'm finally starting to feel a bit like myself again. That is a good sign for the upcoming races. It would have been a shame that we had gone home without a stage win, so I am very happy that I could contribute to Tim's victory.”
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