PREVIEW & FAVOURITES | Renewi Tour 2025 stage 2 - Merlier the main favourite but echelons chaos is expected again

From the 20th to the 24th of August the World Tour peloton returns to the Benelux, but not for one-day races this time around, but instead some high-octane stage-racing. The Renewi Tour often provides opportunities for the classics specialists, sprinters and time-trialists to all battle for quality results. We preview stage 2.

The second day of racing sees the riders start in Belgium, right by the sea in Blankeberge in another day where the wind can cause serious damage. once again we should expect lightning fast speeds on the day as there is not a single tiny climb to point out on the day.

The riders will race towards the center of the country and a bunch sprint finish is expected in Ardooie, a relatively urban sprint that could be treacherous and very fast. Very strong northern winds will once again create havoc with quite a lot of certainty, even though the day isn't as well suited to create splits as was the case today. But there will be several crosswind sections and overall a lot of tailwind which will make this a very fast stage and one where attacks from early on can compensate.

Tim Merlier will still start off the stage as the main favourite as he is the strongest sprinter in the race, as a quality leadout and also has experience in this type of racing. Many others will be on the lookout for any opportunity whilst the GC contenders will also try to be in front at all times to avoid losing time in the eve of the queen stage.

*** Tim Merlier
** Olav Kooij, Arnaud de Lie
* Juan Sebastian Molano, Mathieu van der Poel, Pavel Bittner, Milan Fretin, Biniam Girmay, Dylan Groenewegen, Arvid de Kleijn, Sam Welsford, Paul Penhoët, Ben Turner

Pick: Tim Merlier

How: Regular bunch sprint.