Tim Merleer Wins Intense Stage at Giro d’Italia: Reaction from Athletes Including Pogacar and Thomas

“This victory came from the most intense stage of my career,” said Tim Merleer (Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step), who won the group sprint. We look back at the third stage of the Giro with comments from athletes, including Milan in 2nd place, Pogačar who attacked the last hill, and Thomas who followed.
Section winner & Mariachi Clamino Tim Merleer (Belgium, Soudal Quickstep)

Tim Merlile (Belgium, Soudal Quickstep) gets Mariachi Clamino with victory photo: Soudal Quick-Step
It was a victory that came from the most intensive development of my career. I caught them (Pogačar and Tomas) in the last kilometer, but I lost track of them and could not use my flow slide. So from there I rode with the wind in my hand, and from that point on, the sprint started with 300m left. I saw Milan start the sprint first or second from the left and I’m very happy that we were able to win (in those conditions).

The reason for my victory was that I was able to clear the last climb at a good pace. Thanks to Mauri VanSevenant, Julien Alaphilippe), Luke Lamparty and Berto (to VanLerbel) who were by my side at that time. I want to thank them.

-Did you think you could finish with the main group that was formed in the middle of the race?

Lucas and I were inside. Being the only two of us in a group of about 25 people was at a disadvantage, so we tried to prevent group circulation. In the end, it was the right decision.

Yesterday, I saw Pogačar on the podium and he was jealous. So I’m very happy to be on the podium today.

2nd place in section Jonathan Millan (Italy, Riddle Trek)

Jonathan Millan (Italy, Riddle Trek) lost in hand throw photo: CorVos
I’m glad we managed to come close to winning today. I have another chance to sprint tomorrow, so I want to focus on it. Because I feel good.

I felt nervous when I saw Pogačar’s attack on the last hill. At first it was a little far away, but when I saw it in the final, it felt much further away. But we caught them and were able to do a good sprint with teamwork.

Maria Rosa & Maria Azzurra Tadej Pogačar (Slovakia, Emirates Team UAE)

Tadej Pogačar (Slovakia, Team Emirates UAE) follows Honoré’s attack on the hill before the finish. photo: CorVos
The first two hours were relaxed, with the sprinters accelerating on the small hills. After that, the chase group split, and three groups were born. Then we got together and followed Honoré’s attack on the last hill.

Then, a gap was created between them and Thomas, who also got on board. So I stayed straight ahead. I felt it was safer to be at the front than to be in a chaotic group (of sprinters competing for position).

– Did you think there was a chance to win?

I thought it wasn’t that expensive. With today’s form, I didn’t think I could win. Then I had to get up with 400 meters left, which can be considered (for a sprinter) a long distance to the finish line. But I think that Thomas, Honoré and I had a good attack. It was a good stretch for my legs (lol).

Geraint Thomas (England, Ineos Grenadiers) continues the Pogacar attack

Geraint Thomas (England, Ineos Grenadiers) finishes with Pogacar photo: INEOS Grenadiers
The last mountain was not a climb that would make a difference, but we (as a team) picked up the pace, thinking we could make it difficult for (our competitors). I responded (to Pogačar’s attack) just by following my instincts.

– Does the fact that you are the only player able to answer give you confidence?

You could say that, and you could also say that I was the only one in a position where I could have just responded. It was very difficult though.

After the race,SNSThomas writes a message to Pogačar at

I know it was fun, but why don’t we have a quiet day tomorrow? #Young people these days

Mikkelfreirik Honore (Denmark, EF Education Easypost) attacking the final climb

Mikkelfreirik Honoré (Denmark, EF Education Easypost) photo: CorVos
Our team doesn’t have sprinters or players aiming for the top spots in general, so we wanted to make a move to grab a stage win. I like stages like today that require punching power, and three years ago there was a stage with a similar layout. I didn’t have enough leg strength to catch Tadej (Pogačar), but I think it was a good effort.

I didn’t look at the bike computer, but I think it was putting out 800-900W in 4 minutes. So I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth as I continued to walk.

I think everyone loves him because he runs like a kid who loves to race. I was happy to ride with a champion like him and his speed was amazing.

text: Sotaro.Arakawa