Rivals for Merlier?

March 10 ^th 2025 - 04:47

The demonstration continues. After his 16 victories in the 2024 season, Tim Merlier started 2025 with many bangs and raised his arms for the 5th time this year, yesterday in Le Perray-en-Yvelines, claiming victory with a significant margin on his rivals. Logically, he will be even more of a favourite at the end of the 6-kilometre straight leading to the finish in Bellegarde after a flat stage. He still needs the scenario of the day to deliver a mass sprint, which is the most likely option, unless the wind blows across the plains of Beauce and allows one team to scatter the pack. And even in this case, the European champion has strong cards to play with his Soudal Quick-Step teammates.

In a fair fight, the yellow and blue jersey should be able to extend its dominance. But as sprinting is not an exact science, opponents can also manage to reverse the trend. Arnaud Démare took an encouraging 2nd place in this respect, as did Alberto Dainese in 3rd. Meanwhile, Mads Pedersen found himself caught up in the final sprint and was unable to make his mark (12th), but seemed sure of his strength a few kilometres earlier and will be keen for revenge. Can he repeat the scenario from 2023, when he won on the day after Merlier's first victory in Paris-Nice? Ousted from contention by the Côte de Villiers-Saint-Frédéric in yesterday's finale, Alexander Kristoff should not suffer this type of mishap today and is another contenders not to be ruled out. Merlier is not alone.