Tim Merlier is the master of sprinting in Belgium. The Soudal Quick Step rider won the sprint at the 114th edition of the Scheldeprijs with the start from Terneuzen and the traditional finish in Schoten after 205.2 km. In what is considered a true world championship of speed, Merlier beat Czech rider Bittner and Frenchman Jeannière, securing his 67th career victory and his first of the season, which had seen him compete in only one race so far, the GP Monseré last March 22nd. Disappointment for Philipsen and his Alpecin Premier Tech team, who led operations for a long time for the sprint but lost ground in the final stages, with the Belgian finishing no better than eighth place.

THE RACE. After several attempts, the significant breakaway came from Carpenter (Moderne Adventure), Duric (Solution Tech Nippo Rali), Dissel and Nat (Beat CC), Harteel and Killy (Tarteletto Isorex). Once they entered the final circuit, Nat, Duric and Harteel lost ground from their breakaway companions while Killy, Dissel and Carpenter continued their adventure until they were caught less than 4 km from the finish.

Unfortunately, the final stages of the race were marked by several crashes.

FINISHING ORDER

1. Merlier Tim (Soudal Quick-Step) in 04:25:01
2. Bittner Pavel (Team Picnic PostNL)
3. Jeannière Emilien (Team TotalEnergies)
4. Rajovic Dusan (Solution Tech-NIPPO-Rali)
5. Erzen Zak (Bahrain Victorious)
6. Hofstetter Hugo (NSN Cycling Team)
7. Dekker David (BEAT CC p/b Saxo)
8. Philipsen Jasper (Alpecin-Premier Tech)
9. De Schuyteneer Steffen (Lotto-Intermarché)
10. Crabbe Tom (Team Flanders-Baloise)