Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) couldn’t make it two out of two sprints wins on the Giro d’Italia on Andora after he was compelled to brake twice within the ultimate hectic, high-speed kilometre.
The Belgian got here from behind with velocity however was unable to match Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) lengthy dash and light earlier than the end line.
Merlier was upset in defeat however grateful that “I’m nonetheless alive” after being caught within the tough and tumble of sprinting.
“I’m a bit upset after all – it was attainable to win, it was simply actually, actually hectic and a bit too harmful. But it is OK. It’s a part of my job,” Merlier stated afterwards as he recovered and realised the risks he had confronted.
“I’m simply pleased I’m nonetheless alive – with one kilometre to go I noticed two riders shoulder to shoulder and virtually obtained boxed out. We had been virtually over the obstacles.”
Merlier completed fifth behind Milan, who additionally ousted Merlier from the lead within the factors jersey.
“I used to be a bit of too far again on the high of the Capo del Mele,” Merlier instructed VTM Nieuws, referring to the coastal climb that instantly preceded the end and the place Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) attacked.
“Due to the excessive velocity on the descent, I needed to brake laborious twice, as a result of different riders got here near falling in entrance of me. Then I thought of my life for a second.”
Such was the chaotic, fraught nature of the fast descent and subsequent dash that Merlier additionally briefly misplaced contact along with his lead-out man, Bert Van Lerberghe.
“He lastly put me in an excellent place, however he is solely human, proper?” Merlier instructed the Belgian TV channel.
“We had been nonetheless going 80 kilometres an hour there. At one level I nonetheless thought of successful, however Milan and Olav Kooij might nonetheless open up a spot. Then I needed to let it go.”
Get limitless entry to all of our protection of the Giro d’Italia – together with journalists reporting, breaking information and evaluation on the bottom from each stage of the race because it occurs and extra. Find out extra.