"Cyclocross remains an old love for me" - Tim Merlier set to return for a short stint of racing in the winter

Tim Merlier will return to cyclocross. The Soudal - Quick-Step turned pro and gained stardom through the off-road discipline and this winter he is already gearing up towards a return where he hopes to achieve some results and take part in some of the most reputable events.

“I hope I can start in the World Cup in Antwerp on December 23. I would also like to ride the one in Gavere on December 26. So I have to hope that national coach Sven Vanthourenhout selects me. And then I hope to get a contract left and right," Merlier told Het Nieuwsblad - by contract, refering to race's offering start money for the Belgian.

Whilst he is a now a full-time road racer, cyclocross has become a secondary aspect of his pro career. However one he still likes. The last two winters he raced eight and six events respectively, and won his most recent in Zonnebeke. Recently Merlier won the De Panne beach race and carries good form, in a month's time he hopes to show it off in cyclocross.

“I would like to be at the start of the Azencross in Loenhout on December 29. The Belgian Championships in Meulebeke and the cross in Otegem the next day are also on my list," he shares. "Cyclocross remains an old love for me. Cyclocross has made me the rider I am today. I think it is important to continue to do that. And all for the same reason. You can really hurt yourself in an hour like that. Just like beach racing, cyclocross also teaches you technical skills for the road. I still rate cyclocross higher than gravel.”