06/11/2024

Tim Merlier eyes return to the Tour de France in 2025: "I secretly dream of yellow"

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier, who rides for Soudal-Quick Step, has expressed his hope to participate in the Tour de France next year. The 32-year-old, who has previously tasted success in the prestigious race, is eager to make a return, particularly given the potential opportunities for sprinters in the 2025 edition.

Soudal-Quick Step's team leader, Remco Evenepoel, made headlines with his stellar performance in this year’s Tour de France, winning the white jersey and finishing third overall in the general classification. Merlier, a Tour de France stage winner in 2021 and the 2024 European Road Race Champion, also added three Giro d'Italia stage victories to his name this season. His ambition is to compete against top sprinters like Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay, especially with the first stage of the 2025 Tour being flat, offering a rare chance for a sprinter to don the yellow jersey.

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In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Merlier expressed his aspirations for the upcoming season. “Whether I will go to the Tour next season? I have not yet been informed,” he said. “I read that they were going to do the puzzle with me there. I hope that my puzzle piece fits in. I would like to go to the Tour for a second stage win and secretly dream of yellow. I hope that Bert Van Lerberghe can also come along, he can also play a role for Remco.”

Team manager Patrick Lefevere previously spoke to Sporza about Merlier's potential inclusion in the Tour lineup. “Seven flat stages, you can't ignore that, right? We need to think about that carefully. I don't decide everything, but I would say that it should be possible. Very clear agreements need to be made.”

As Merlier awaits confirmation, his focus remains on making the most of his opportunities and dreaming of another memorable Tour de France appearance. With a proven track record and the right team support, his ambitions to claim a second stage victory and a shot at the yellow jersey may well align with the team’s strategy.