Tim Merlier Secures Fourth Consecutive Victory for Soudal Quick-Step in Slovakia
The Soudal Quick-Step team has achieved yet another success in Okolo Slovenska, thanks to an impressive team effort.
Tim Merlier secured his fourth consecutive victory for Soudal Quick-Step in a dominant performance on the penultimate stage of the race. Despite the initial advantage being in favor of the attackers, Merlier and his teammates closed the gap and demonstrated their strength.
As the race progressed, several riders attempted to put pressure on yellow jersey holder Rémi Cavagna on the final climb, causing the bunch to split into three groups. Merlier initially found himself in trouble but with the assistance of his teammates, he quickly closed the gap on the descent and rejoined the peloton.
In the last kilometers of the race, the Soudal Quick-Step team executed a powerful lead-out, ensuring Merlier remained in an excellent position. With a strong acceleration in the final moments, Merlier secured his second victory in Slovakia.
Reflecting on his win, Merlier expressed his gratitude for his team’s support and spoke of his determination to overcome the initial difficulties he faced during the stage, saying, “I am happy… I didn’t feel well in the first part of the stage… but I did my best to come back and I’m happy things turned out like this despite everything. I am lucky to have such a strong team around me.”
Merlier’s victory adds to Soudal Quick-Step’s already impressive tally of wins this season, and he dedicated his triumph to the team’s sponsors who were in attendance, saying, “I am proud I could contribute with another victory to Soudal Quick-Step’s incredible tally this season and that I could do that in front of our sponsors.”
Photo credit: ©Jan Melicher
©Sona Nikova
