''There aren’t so many chances for the sprinters in the spring'' - Tim Merlier wants to strike at Classic Brugge-De Panne

The Classic Brugge-De Panne has a high entry on Tim Merlier's bucket list. The Soudal Quick-Step sprinter has already scored six victories this season, and will face off with the likes of Jasper Philipsen and Fabio Jakobsen in his home country on Wednesday.

"This race is very important. In the spring there are not so many chances for the sprinters. This is therefore a very important race," Merlier told Het Nieuwsblad, looking ahead to the race. "Bert Van Lerberghe will be my trusted lead-out again. The pace will be very high so it's important to be well positioned."

In this course the danger of possible echelons always lurks. Especially the Moeren polder plain is a possible place where they could occur. However, the wind may not play a significant role this year.

"The wind is not there, so makes it a little easier to get a sprint," Merlier predicts. "Sunday (during Gent-Wevelgem, ed.) there will be enough wind and then there will be fans."

In a possible sprint, Merlier will probably have to deal with compatriot Jasper Philipsen, who won the classic Milan-San Remo last weekend. "I too was impressed by his victory in Milan-San Remo. It was a very strong performance," Merlier concluded.