Tim Merlier won the opening Stage of the Renewi Tour on Wednesday. The Belgian was The Fastest in The Mass Sprint in Breskens After Olav Kooij, Among Others, Crashed. Mathieu van der Poel did not play a major role in his return.
Kooij was the Big Favorite for the Stage Win in Advance, but 5 kilometers from the finish he was Involved in a major crash. The Dutchman from Visma-Lease a Bike Did Return to the Peloton and Sprinted Along, But Could Not Play A Significant Role.
Merlier was in a class of his own in the mass sprint. The European Champion from Soudal Quick-Step Thus Achieved His Thirteenth Victory of the Season. Last Month also won two internships in the Tour de France.
For van der Poel, it was his first race after his abandonment in the tour. The Brabander, who had won the second stage, had to withdraw after the last rest day due to pneumonia. He is preparation for the mountain bike world championships, which will be hero in Switzerland on September 14.