Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier wins stage 2 to claim race lead

After missing out on the opening stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour to Biniam Girmay, Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep) was untouchable in the rising sprint to the line in Knokke-Heist on stage 2.

The Belgian easily held off Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM), while Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was caught behind Kooij's lead-out man. After nearly giving up on his sprint, Philipsen re-accelerated for third place.

"Thanks to really good work by the team. It was difficult with the timing and I had no idea where everyone was. I maybe went a little too early, but that last kicker to the line is difficult. But it was enough," Merlier said.

On a nearly completely flat 197.6km stage from Merelbeke-Melle to Knokke-Heist, the day's breakaway escaped early and were kept on a short leash by NSN and Soudal-Quickstep.

Michiel Hillen (Baloise Verzekeringen - Het Poetsbureau Lions), Jonah Killy (Tarteletto-Isorex), Stijn Appel (BEAT p/b Saxo), Victor Broex (Metec Solarwatt p/b Mantel), Victor Hannes (Aarco) and Viktor Vandenberghe (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw) worked smoothly throughout the stage, but began to come apart as the six riders sprinted for the Golden Kilometre bonuses with 24km to go.

Hillen won the first sprint but then lost contact, while Vandenberghe won the next two before letting go of the breakaway.

With reduced numbers, the quartet's lead evaporated over the next 15km, and despite Hannes' best efforts, they were caught with 9km to go.

Soudal-Quickstep led the sprint out for Merlier but hesitated as XDS Astana surged for their fast man Max Kanter. But Merlier was in a perfect position and made it look easy as the road tilted upward.

Results

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