the Belgian Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick Step) was honored number 1 in a decisive sprint victory in the 77th edition of Danilith Nokere Koerse disputed between Deinze and Nokere, of 193.6 km, where he renewed the victory in 2022.
After a final exciting stage, marked by constant falls and jumps to the lead, Tim Merlier (Wortegem-Petegem, 30 years old) was relentless when it came to determining the finish line, where he was superior to all, raising his arms with a time of 4:18:14, ahead of his compatriots Edward Theuns (Trek-Segafredo) and Milan Menten (Lotto Dstny).
A special achievement, the second in a row in the test, the fifth of the season and the 28th of his professional career, and just a few km from his home.
The truffled race of cobblestones and small heights that took place on a circuit that had to be given 5 laps, was marked by a long escape of 6 men in which the Spanish Enekoitz Azparren (Euskaltel – Euskadi) participated, an adventure that lasted until 29 km of purpose
From that moment, escape attempts followed each other, as in the Belgian Jasper Debuyst (Lotto), trapped in the cobbled section of the Lange Ast, whose relief was taken by the New Zealander from Groupama Samuel Watson, European track champion, trapped with 5.5 left.
UAE and Soudal worked hard to advance the sprint, which was complicated by crashes and the continued reduction in the peloton. Several favorites emerged at the end, with Vanmarcke and Veermersch leading by a few seconds.
The final climb to Nokereberg further soured spirits, Campenaerts suffered his second fall, and a small group made it to the finish line to defend the victory. Tim Merlier, wearing the jersey of the Belgian champion, made it clear that he is the strongest sprinter, applying the law of the strongest without question.
Source: La Verdad
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