Today Tim Merlier reached an extraordinary milestone by securing his third victory in this edition of the Tour out of five sprints. A clear success over Kooij, Philipsen and Girmay, achieved at a special moment for the Soudal-Quick Step Flemish rider, who was able to count on the presence of his family, with his wife Cameron Vandenbroucke and little Jules supporting and cheering him on along the route and at the finish line. "You fight for them too, you struggle to win for your son and your wife" Merlier emphasized with a beautiful smile.

Tim's motivation was palpable: "I had to win today," Merlier declared, moved by the presence of his loved ones by his side. The joy of a father who fights not only for himself, but also for his son's future: "I think that, even though he's still small, he will remember this victory later on, and my wife will guide him through it". Merlier brought his son Jules onto the podium and then Pogacar autographed the little one's cap.

Merlier then spoke about the stage and its difficulty: "It was tough, and the finale was very difficult. We had some problems with the radio, I thought it was broken. We had to stay calm and we managed it". Supported once again by an excellent Stuyven, he revealed he had been particularly focused on his opponents' moves: "Yes, because I had understood that it was the type of finale that suited me. It was a beautiful day. Congratulations to myself and a big hello to everyone". And so that makes six stages at the Tour, plus four at the Giro: this victory at Chalon sur Saone will remain in the heart of Tim Merlier and his family, an indelible memory to pass down.