Return to Nokere Koerse 'unlikely' for Tim Merlier

The organization of Nokere Koerse announced this week that Tim Merlier was on the provisional start list, but that turns out to be a bit premature. Merlier is not expected to start on Wednesday.

Merlier has been struggling with a persistent knee injury since winter. The top sprinter has already had to postpone his season debut several times. He himself has long hoped to start in the Tour of Flanders (April 25), but because he appears on some start lists here and there, there was briefly hope of an earlier comeback.

"It is unlikely that he will start, Nokere is still too soon," said Jurgen Foré, CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, to the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. "We haven’t made any plans for a return yet, Tim first needs to complete his training. When we can expect him back remains unclear for now."

For Merlier, Nokere is a true home race, where he was able to celebrate victories in 2022, 2023, and 2024.