Tim Merlier victorious on crazy finale at Nokere Koerse 2024; Jakobsen and Philipsen complete podium

Tim Merlier has taken the win on a crazy and crash-filled day at Nokere Koerse 2024 with Fabio Jakobsen and Jasper Philipsen completing the final podium.

After six riders initially went clear, TDT-Unibet's Abram Stockman attacked his companions and was a lone leader heading into the final 50km.

Stockman was caught with 37km to go and despite a couple of counter-attacks, the front group entered the final lap all together.

Kim Heiduk and Daan Hoole were then involved in a very nasty crash as they looked to mark moves at the front of the peloton sliding off the road and down a river bank, narrowly missing a stone wall.

Pre-race favourite, Jasper Philipsen was relentless in following every move despite the fact he would surely win in a sprint.

With the pace frantic and attack after attack being countered at the front, there were more crashes in the final few kilometres.

After an Ethan Hayter move was reeled back in, Tim Wellens emptied the tank and managed to get a small gap with his counter.

With 1.8km to go, Wellens was caught and a reduced bunch sprint finish looked likely to the decider of the day.

A big crash in the final kilometre ended the hopes of many with a small group of around 10 riders taking the final corner, one of them being Tim Merlier who powered to victory ahead of Fabio Jakobsen and Jasper Philipsen.