"I dropped that plan to maintain good order in the cyclocross world" - Tim Merlier explains why he is not racing World Cup races this winter
Cyclocross
Tim Merlier is a rider who has developed within the cyclocross world, but has in recent years made the switch to full time road racer where he has thrived and is currently the reigning European Champion. Still, every winter, the Soudal - Quick-Step returns to the field for some competition in the winter months but he is only taking part in two races soon. He wanted to be part of a World Cup race but explains that there was pressure for him not to do so.
In a column for Het Nieuwsblad, Bart Wellens commented on the possibility of Merlier coming into the discipline straight into one of the limited spots for Belgian riders at the Besançon World Cup: "How, I think, that's a world cup after all. You have to force your selection for that. He takes away the place of a real cyclocross rider and I think that's a shame".
"He must have needed inspiration to fill his column," Merlier joked in words to Het Laatste Nieuws. "I understand that the wealth of good cyclocross riders in Belgium is too great to just claim a place in a world cup, but I don't think I'm an average road racer who just wants to ride a cross. But in order not to push the issue too far, I didn't put myself forward as a candidate for Besançon anymore".
With a limited amount of spots, there wouldn't be a way for Merlier to get selected and escape criticism from other quality riders (elite or under-23) that would be present in the French race. Personal relations with the national coach specially would've made it a very awkward position for most involved, and the sprinter explains that he ultimately did not apply to take part n the race.
"Initially I also wanted to ride the World Cup round in Besançon, but I dropped that plan to maintain good order in the cyclocross world. National coach De Clercq is one of my best mates and I don't want it on my conscience that he gets into trouble by giving me one of his wildcards. Apparently some team managers were up in arms because I would ride a world cup out of nowhere".
Merlier enters another year as a top road sprinter and soon he will race the Exact Cross Loenhout on the 27th December and Exact Cross Gullegem on the 4th January. "I have it in mind to end my professional career with a full cyclocross winter in the distant future," he admits. "To end my career where it started and thus complete the circle. Cyclocross remains my first love".
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