"Preparation hasn't gone as it should": Tim Merlier resumes training after a knee injury

Tim Merlier must've cancelled all his early-season plans because of a knee injury that occured at a cyclocross event he participated in early December. That caused the Belgian speedster to postpone his season preparation, making it impossible to be ready for the earliest race on the Soudal - Quick-Step star's 2026 calendar.

"The AlUla Tour is out of the question," Merlier confirmed to Sporza two weeks ago. In Middle East, Merlier's sprinter superstar clash with Jonathan Milan was a widely anticipated duel to kick off the year. However the Belgian has since recovered and resumed training, although he remains a bit behind schedule.

"So far, things are going well," Merlier provided an update this weekend at Velofollies, where he sat down with Shari Bossuyt for a chat at the Vive le Vélo stand. "I try to keep it that way, because it's a light at the end of the tunnel. It doesn't really bother me anymore."

Merlier has had to cancel training sessions in recent months. "I'm still taking it carefully, but it's definitely hindered me. Preparation hasn't gone as it should," he outlines. The return of former European Champion remains in the stars, but it should be in time for the Classics block at the end of March. Possibly earlier.