Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) had already won three races this season before setting out on stage 6 of UAE Tour this morning and the European champion collected another victory at the finish with a devastating turn of speed.
His maximum power output in the sprint was 1,490 watts, while averaging 1,270 watts. He reached a maximum speed of 66.7kmph, recording an average speed in the sprint of 63.8kmph.
Having surfed the wheels as several teams sought to dictate the pace in the final, Merlier went very early with an initial kick that put everyone else on the backfoot to the extent they were groveling to get back on terms.
Though Picnic-PostNL and Lidl-Trek looked like they had control on the front in the closing stages, it was Tudor Pro Cycling that proved the final team formation leading out nearing the line in Abu Dhabi Breakwater.
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When the Swiss team had spent its lead-out resources, Merlier sprung from behind them with one of the most impressive kicks you'll see this season to take the win by a huge margin.
He finished ahead of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek); the latter chasing his third win of the race today but having to settle for 3rd.
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Philipsen's final effort was not helped by making shoulder contact with the Tudor rider beside him as the sprint opened up, while Milan was poorly positioned and left himself with a lot to do.
However, there was no taking away from the sheer quality of Merlier's victory; the Belgian proving untouchable after going early and winning from the front.
BACK-TO-BACK WINS FOR THE EUROPEAN CHAMPION! ??
Soudal–Quick-Step's Tim Merlier conquers the sprint to win Stage 6 of the #UAETour! ?? pic.twitter.com/JIuoVZeJlx
— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 22, 2025
