Three-time Scheldeprijs winner Tim Merlier will lead the squad this Wednesday.
The cobbled Classics are now history, but the one-day races continue, and our team’s next appointment will be Ronde van Limburg. The parcours, running from Hasselt to Tongeren, is an undulating one and comprises eight pavé sectors, but despite the many hurdles, the sprinters’ teams usually control the 178.4km race, keeping things together and bringing their leaders in a good position for a bunch sprint.
Victorious in Scheldeprijs last week, Tim Merlier will be at the start of this edition just three days after completing the fastest Paris-Roubaix in history. The 33-year-old fast man will be surrounded by a strong Soudal Quick-Step team comprising former Belgian Champion Yves Lampaert, Fabio Van den Bossche, trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe, and Devo riders Cériel Desal, Joeri Schaper – a top-five finisher last Sunday in Paris-Roubaix Espoirs – and Mathijs Van Strijthem.
“A large part of the course follows the same roads where Tim claimed his European Championship title in 2024, although the finale has now been moved to Tongeren. The race features a couple of difficulties – such as short climbs and cobbles – but also the wind on the final laps could play a decisive role. Tim leads the squad and will once again be able to count on a solid team, who can support him on Wednesday and help him fight for a good result”, explained sports director Kevin Hulsmans.
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