Cycling: Tim Merlier won today's stage after yesterday's stage. The Belgian defeated Bryan Coquard from France in the uphill sprint. This means he also takes the lead in the overall standings
Merlier picks up early and pulls through
With his second win in a row effect Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick-Step) took the lead in the overall ranking of the AlUla Tour. After 142,2 kilometers from Hegra to Maraya, the Belgian was just ahead when it came to a duel against the Frenchman on the uphill home straight Bryan coquard (Cofidis) came. The man in blue and white started sprinting around 200 meters from the finish. He immediately opened up a gap, but just before the finish line he seemed to run out of power. Coquard – who loves such increasing arrivals – came closer and closer, but couldn't get past. Today's podium is completed with third place Casper van Uden (dsm-unternehmenich PostNL), whose team controlled the peloton after a mass fall shortly before the finish. Tomorrow it comes to the last stage of the former Saudi tour for decision. A mountain a few kilometers before the finish will make things difficult for the sprinters.
What a battle between Merlier & Coquard ⚡️ #AlUlaTour pic.twitter.com/mWn6YhLRJ2
— Eemeli (@LosBrolin) February 2, 2024