"It’s a great feeling to rack up my 50th pro win" - Tim Merlier reaches career landmark with third consecutive victory

Tim Merlier has been in unstoppable form of late. In fact, since taking the European Championship title earlier this month, the Belgian has been victorious in all his races, the latest of which sees Merlier reach a landmark of 50 career wins.

In a tight bunch sprint on Sunday afternoon at Gooikse Pijl 2024, Merlier narrowly took the victory ahead of his compatriot Jordi Meeus of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Olav Kooij in third place. 

“It was a nervous day of racing, typical for a Belgian race," Merlier reflected in his post-race interview afterwards to the official website of his Soudal - Quick-Step team. "We gave our best to close the gap, then in the lost kilometres I lost some places, but managed to come back thanks to a great effort of the team."

"The sprint was a bit uphill, which meant it was important to launch the sprint at the right moment, and I’m glad I made it again today. It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy," the European champion concludes. "It’s a great feeling to rack up my 50th pro win in front of my home fans, with the European Champion jersey on my shoulders!”