Tim Merlier proud of millimeter victory at UAE Tour: I have already booked bigger victories but almost every sprinter is here

Tim Merlier was one of the big favourites to win the opening stage of the UAE Tour, however it was a long day out in the saddle as he battled across the crosswinds. It ended up being a perfect day for Soudal - Quick-Step as they captured the stage win and made big moves in the overall classification.

“I was really not sure, because Caleb did a good jump,” Merlier said in a post-race interview. “When I started my sprint, I felt good. But Caleb came off the wheel and then he's always dangerous. It was really very close. We waited fifteen minutes to see who won, but I am very proud to say that I was able to win here."

A photo-finish sprint was the result of a long day in the strong winds of the desert. Although not having been part of the initial echelons, the Belgian team managed to bring Merlier back to the front, and then have big numbers in the decisive split inside the final kilometers.

It was nevertheless a day for the sprinters, with the survivors battling it out. Merlier outsprinted Caleb Ewan, however it took almost 15 minutes for the decision to be made as not even the photo-finish could tell the two apart.

In the end the team succeeded. Remco Evenepoel also made a significant move towards GC success as UAE's leaders have all lost time. “And we now have the stage victory. I also have to thank Remco for that, he rode great and was so strong. But the final victory is certainly not yet in for him. We still have six days to go. He hits a good shot, but we take it day by day.”

Asked if this had been the biggest win of his career, he responds: “No, because I have already won in the Tour and Giro. I have already booked bigger victories. But almost every sprinter is here and it was a tough race.”

The Belgian will have three more opportunities to strike, but with the stage win in the pocket and Remco Evenepoel's GC ambitions better than ever, that will now be Soudal - Quick-Step's main ambitions.