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

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier powered to victory in the opening stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour bike race.

After 197.6km of racing from Merelbeke to Melle, the European champion was the fastest in the bunch sprint on the Wandelaar in Knokke-Heist. Colombia’s Juan Sebastián Molano took second place, with Britain’s Ethan Vernon in third.

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This is 32-year-old Merlier’s 59th professional win and his ninth of the season. So far in 2025, he 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 194.4km route between Beringen and Putte. On Friday, the riders will tackle a 9.7km individual time trial in Tessenderlo-Ham.

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