Tim Merlier won the final stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour in the Belgian capital ahead of Jasper Philipsen, who did capture the points jersey. After a battle for bonus seconds, Søren Wærenskjold managed to take the overall win.
Winner of the final stage Tim Merlier: “A lead-out can be easy but it can also be difficult. I think Bert did that very well. At the crucial point a good kilometre from the finish, we were in a good position and Bert pulled it into a line. After that, we had to time the last corner as best as possible. I took that last bend in an ideal position and managed to ride the sprint the way I wanted to. I tried to cling on for a long time yesterday, but after the Tour of Italy I was unable to excel. I’m very happy to win for the second time this week.”
Overall winner Søren Wærenskjold: “I am very satisfied and the team really did a fantastic job all week so I really have to thank them. I don’t think I would have won without my teammates, they worked really well.”
Winner of the points jersey and runner-up in the final stage Jasper Philipsen: “I would have liked to have won, but I have to be honest, Tim was faster today. Everything is right heading into the Tour. We have our lead-out on track, I just need to make sure I reach my top level. I’m happy to take the points jersey here, which is also the goal in the Tour de France.”
