Soudal - Quick-Step manager hopes Tim Merlier's success can awaken the whole team: "The whole team will benefit if he can continue winning"
Cycling
In 2024, Tim Merlier was on top of the feeding chain in the sprinters' hierarchy. Winner of 16 races including three Giro d'Italia stages and European road title was one the most reliable leaders at Soudal - Quick-Step and the team hopes to continue the path of success in 2025.
"Last season was phenomenal for him. It can only benefit the team if he can continue this," confirms his team manager Klaas Lodewyck at Sporza.
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The other man Soudal - Quick-Step could count on in 2024 was Remco Evenepoel. The double Olympic champion's winter preparation was halted by a training accident, but that doesn't take away from his plans for next season. And mainly the return to Tour de France after podium on this year's debut.
Naturally, the team's sprinter Tim Merlier would also love to take on the Grande Boucle in European Champion's jersey. Even more so with the unique opportunity to wear yellow after first stage. "And the Tour? It's up to us as a team to see how well we can combine his goals with those of Remco. That's something we're already working on."
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- This shows so well you’ve never ventured out to a cycling event and checked out spectators.Jumpyjohn12-11-2026
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