Merlier takes "messy" sprint victory in Bordeaux
A rough and tumble battle for the finish line, all sharp elbows out.
Double your pleasure: A Tour de France bunch sprint and a boxing match.
The sharp elbows were out, lots of argy-bargy and shoulder pushes. The wild sprint into Bordeaux was, shall we say, a spirited affair.
“I’m like in a casino, bouncing everywhere,” said the Belgian Tim Merlier. Or something to that effect — tough to hear on the interview. But yes, a lot of balls on the same roulette wheel.
The sprint train of Alpecin Premier Tech left the station early and by the 500 meter mark, their sprint Jasper Philipsen had to go ahead of schedule. A timing error that wrecked his chances for victory.
Netcompany INEOS worked hard for Dorian Godon, who was well-placed but almost too desperate for a win. He nearly took out Max Kanter (Astana) as he veered left of his line, then leaning hard into Kanter. I suspect race officials will hand out a penalty for that kamikaze maneuver.
“It was a mess to be in position but I make it,” said Tim Merlier, the fast man at Soudal Quickstep. “I talk to myself, you gotta fight for the finish.”
His timing and bike handling and a terrific lead out from Jasper Stuyven made all the difference. He crossed the finish-line with open space behind him.
Merlier did a victory gesture, lightly brushing off the top of his shoulders with his hands. It was a “that was easy” move, a little understated swagger.
Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) and Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) took the second and third spots. Max Kanter (XDS Astana) and Philipsen rounded out the top 5. Philipsen is already thinking about tomorrow’s sprint stage.
Merlier now has four Tour de France stage wins. “I’m happy — it’s not another team who win,” said the Belgian. Today he showed off this blazing speed and his boxing skills.