Tim Merlier has signed a new two-year contract with QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl, according to reports in Belgium, in a move that appears to signal the end of Mark Cavendish’s stint with the team.
It is highly unlikely – though not impossible – the team would have room for three sprinters at the level of Cavendish, Merlier and Fabio Jakobsen.
While Cavendish would have no shortage of teams looking for his signature after his career revival in the last two seasons, the Manx rider will celebrate his 37th birthday on Saturday and is nearing the end of his time in the peloton.
Belgian media outlet Wielerflits has reported that Merlier is set to leave Alpecin Fenix after four years, though the team is stepping up to World Tour level and despite offering him more money in a bid to retain his services.
Advertisement
Related News
It further reports while talks have been ongoing between Merlier’s representatives at QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl for some time, progress has been made in recent weeks and a two-year contract has already been agreed.
The official window for announcing new signings does not open until August 1st each year, though speculation about transfers always mounts around this time of year.
Last week QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl team boss Patrick Lefevere made no secret of his desire to sign Merlier, saying he would be a great addition to the team.
"Our results in the Flemish classics will affect our transfer window, even if we only have a few riders who are out of contract," Lefevere told La Dernière Heure. “I would also very much like to have a Belgian sprinter in the ranks again. I know Tim Merlier will be free at the end of the season.”
Merlier (29) has emerged in recent seasons as a top flight sprinter and so far this year he has taken a stage win in Tirreno-Adriatico as well as winning the Belgian one-day races Bredene Koksijde Classic (1.Pro) and Minerva Classic Brugge-De Panne (1.UWT). Last season he took nine victories, including a stage in both the Giro and Tour.
