Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Fenix) took the victory at Nokere Koerse using his power to overtake Max Walscheied (Cofidis) and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Soudal).
“This is my home race – for the public it was great, there were many people out there,” Merlier said. “There was some pressure – when I raced it was like racing worlds in Leuven last year, there was so much atmosphere and everyone wanted me to win because I’m from here.
While Groupama-FDJ looked to have positioned Bram Welten in the best position, he faded in the final kilometer, before the final left turn.
Merlier was the best-positioned rider onto the final straight when he came off of Walscheid’s wheel and held him all the way to the line, seemingly with ease.
IJzersterke Tim Merlier sprint naar winst in Nokere Koerse #NokereKoerse pic.twitter.com/zHf6QPb4uW
— Sporza ? (@sporza_koers) March 16, 2022
