Tim Merlier (5th) after ‘too dangerous’ final: “Mainly glad I’m still alive”

Tim Merlier was still the big man in the Giro d’Italia on Monday, but could not get further than fifth place in the second sprinter’s stage. Although the Soudal Quick-Step rider was especially happy that he could speak to the press unscathed.

“I’m especially happy to be alive, because with one kilometer to go I saw two riders shoulder to shoulder. One almost flew over the fence,” says the man who rode around today in the purple points jersey Eurosport back to a fast and therefore hectic finale.

Merlier was just a little too far in the last kilometer and so he was forced to start his sprint early. “I thought: I’ll just start my sprint. But the speed was very high and Milan sprinted with great acceleration. I thought for a moment that I could win, but it was still a bit too far to the finish.”

And so Merlier only finished fifth. Is he bummed out like crazy now? “I’m a bit disappointed. It was possible to win today, but it was very hectic and a bit too dangerous. But hey, that’s part of my job.”