Second stage victory at the Tour de France for Tim Merlier and third victory for Soudal-Quick Step, which confirms itself as one of the best teams in this Grande Boucle.

"It was a crazy race today - said the Belgian after the victory - We didn't think we would make it and it was tough for both the chasing group and the breakaway riders who had to push."

Once again Merlier wants to thank his teammates, and among the first statements he made before going on the podium was: "Merci Remco, Merci Bert". A special thanks to Remco Evenepoel and Bert Van Lerberghe, who played a decisive role in the final part of the ninth stage.

"Without the heat it would have gone better and I was very nervous. We tried to help recover and the other teams started pushing. The pace was quite high, even for those in front. It was really nerve-wracking".

Fortunately, Merlier is a rider who manages to stay calm and blindly trusted his teammates who helped him get back and stay at the front in the finale, managing to beat a rampant Jonathan Milan, who had to settle for second place. "Remco was really strong. When he rides like this, he feels nothing in his legs and can easily move up. With him, we had the opportunity to come back".

Then there was also Bert Van Lerberghe, whom Tim Merlier calls his guardian angel. "Bert and I were together at the end and tried to protect ourselves as much as possible from the wind, then Remco arrived and I really have to thank them - continued the European champion - This time Bert and I found each other, it's the first time we've managed to be together in this Tour, and with him in front of me I was much more confident. He did a really great job. At one point, I thought I was trapped, but I managed to break free just before the 200 meters, I gave it my all immediately and I'm very happy to have won my second stage at the Tour. My teammates were fundamental and this victory is also for them".

Merlier won on the same finish line where Mark Cavendish conquered the first of his 35 Tour de France victories and, on this same finish line, he had also won in 2021 with the Deceunink-Quick Step colors.

"I remember Cavendish's victory four years ago and I'm happy that now it's me who brought the victory back to the team on the same finish line". For now, Soudal - Quick Step is the first team in this Tour to have three stage victories, and Merlier is happy to have contributed to reaching this milestone. "Having done two sprints and won both of them is really beautiful and I'm happy to have contributed to making the team win. Today's result makes this Tour even bigger for us".