Tim Merlier claims opening stage of Baloise Belgium Tour for second consecutive year

On Wednesday, Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) powered to victory in the opening stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour (2.Pro).

After 197.6 km of racing from Merelbeke-Melle, the European champion was the fastest in the bunch sprint on the Wandelaar in Knokke-Heist. Colombia’s Juan Sebastián Molano (UAE Team Emirates) took second place, with Britain’s Ethan Vernon (Israel–Premier Tech) in third.

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This marks the 32-year-old Merlier’s 59th professional win and his ninth of the season. So far in 2025, the Belgian has triumphed in the Scheldeprijs and the Brussels Cycling Classic, and has taken two stage victories in both the UAE Tour and the AlUla Tour. He also won the stage in Knokke-Heist during last year's race.

Thursday's second stage offers another opportunity for the sprinters, with a 194.4 km route between Beringen and Putte. On Friday, the riders will tackle a 9.7 km individual time trial in Tessenderlo-Ham.

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