Wednesday May 8, 2024 at 12:33
Tim Merlier already has a sprint victory in the Giro d’Italia, but his hunger is certainly not yet satisfied. Today there will be a new sprint opportunity for the Soudal Quick-Step rider, although Merlier is also wary.
“The course is flatter today, but it is still a difficult ride. The start in particular is very difficult,” said Merlier before the start of the stage Eurosport. The 31-year-old driver is referring to the two uncategorised climbs and the Passo del Bracco (15.4 km at 4.3%) in the first sixty kilometers.
Merlier also looked back on yesterday’s sprint, in which he had to settle for fifth place. “It was really a very fast final. Everyone was jostling for position. Fortunately there were no falls. but it was really scary.”
The final of the fifth stage looks different. “As always, you have to be in position in the last kilometers and then stay there. Then it is important to find an opening at the right time. Yesterday I started a little too early and then you know it is difficult.”
