Tim Merlier leads Soudal - Quick-Step at Heistse Pijl in hopes to leave the shadow of Giro d'Italia behind

With Giro d'Italia upset hopefully behind them, Soudal - Quick-Step will try to write a new page in their modest 2023 season in June. They'll start off at home roads of Heistse Pijl (1.1). Martin Svrček comes as a last minute replacement for Louis Verveake.

The Belgian one-day race will be ridden on completely flat circuit. The only attraction is Heistseberg - 0,5km climb at 4% with cobbled sections. Finish line is placed after riders descend from the hill for the 4th time, seeking opportunity for a late attack.

“Heistse is an opportunity for the fast men, but will have a tricky finish due to the presence of that small cobblestone climb not far from the line. Tim is in good form and has a chance of fighting for the win, so we’ll try to bring him there," says Tom Steels.

Tim Merlier, Bert Van Lerberghe, Jannik Steimle, Stan Van Tricht, Martin Svrček, Jordi Warlop and Warre Vangheluwe