"One almost flew over the fence" - Tim Merlier startled with high-speed and dangerous Giro d'Italia sprint

Tim Merlier won the first bunch sprint of the Giro d'Italia but he couldn't replicate it today. Partly because of the tough day on the bike and strong competition, but also because he was specially afraid of the high-speed finale at the base of a descent.

“I'm especially happy to be alive, because with one kilometer to go I saw two riders shoulder to shoulder," Merlier said in words to Eurosport. "One almost flew over the fence." The Belgian was disappointed with the outcome of the day. He was one of the big favourites, but ultimately only managed to sprint to fifth on the day as he didn't find the right position ahead of the sprint.

“I thought: I'll just start my sprint. But the speed was very high and Milan sprinted with great acceleration. I thought for a moment that I could win, but it was still a bit too far to the finish," he explained in the dash to the line. Adding insult to the injury, he lost the lead of the points classification to his main rival and is now having to pursue the jersey once again.

"I'm a bit disappointed. It was possible to win today, but it was very hectic and a bit too dangerous. But hey, that's part of my job," he concludes. Tomorrow in Lucca he will face another likely bunch sprint, and will have better chances of succeeding this time around without a descent close to the finish.