"Quickly I adapted and began focusing on the races that I can do" - Tim Merlier looking for win at BEMER Cyclassics

Soudal - Quick-Step is heading to the BEMER Cyclassics with a strong team and hopes of victory in a sprint, and headlining that plan will be Tim Merlier who looks to give continuation to his wins at the Tour de Pologne.

“I’m very happy with my season so, only the period in between the classics and the Belgian Championship I expected a bit more from but it can’t always go as you want," Merlier said in a press release. "After the altitude camp I returned to my level, so it’s a bit of a shame I was sick after a very successful Tour de Pologne. On Sunday it will be my first time taking on the BEMER Cyclassics." The Belgian enters the German race as a favourite, although he will need to survive the hilly terrain before dreaming of a sprint victory in Hamburg. Ethan Vernon and Stan van Tricht join him as outsiders for the star-studded race.

"The first part of the race will be relatively easy, but the final with three times the Waseberg is a bit harder and very hectic," he analysis. "A good positioning will be important as well, because it will be quite technical in the run-in to the Waseberg. I hope to have the legs to make it and be up there. I think tomorrow is one of the strongest teams I could have around me, so for sure we have a good chance to go for the win."

Merlier was originally building up towards the Vuelta, but now focuses on new goals: "When I heard I wouldn’t do the Vuelta at first it was a bit of a disappointment. But quickly I adapted and began focusing on the races that I can do now. I had two nice wins in Poland, which put me on eight wins, ten if you count my cyclo-cross victory and our team time trial success in UAE Tour. I want to go for ten wins on the road, or maybe more. My record is nine victories in one season, so I would like to aim higher. My win in Nokere Koerse was the most beautiful one, as it was in front of my home crowds and the atmosphere was just unbelievable. I will never forget it!"