Tim Merlier Clinches Victory by Slim Margin at Giro d'Italia

Tim Merlier demonstrated his sprinting prowess by securing victory for Team Soudal Quick-Step in stage 18 of the Giro d’Italia. Despite a crowded field, the 31-year-old managed to edge out Jonathan Milan by half a wheel with Kaden Groves finishing third. Tadej Pogacar maintains a strong position in the leader’s pink jersey with three stages remaining. Reflecting on his win, Merlier noted the fast pace in the final kilometer and expressed his surprise at finding himself among the top contenders after navigating through corners.

Despite the sprint finish, there were no significant changes in the general classification with Pogacar extending his lead by one second. Meanwhile, Geraint Thomas retains his third position in the overall standings. As the race progresses, riders will transition from a relatively flat 178km stage to hilly terrain in the upcoming 157km stage from Mortegliano to Sappada on Friday.

Stage 18 result

1. Tim Merlier (Bel/Soudal Quick-Step) – 3hrs 45mins 44secs

2. Jonathan Milan (Ita/Lidl-Trek) – Same time

3. Kaden Groves (Aus/Alpecin-Deceuninck) – Same time

4. Alberto Dainese (Ita/Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – Same time

5. Stanislaw Aniolkowski (Pol/Confidis) – Same time

6. Fernando Gaviria (Col/Movistar) – Same time

7. Madis Mihkels (Est/Intermarche-Wanty) – Same time

8. Caleb Ewan (Aus/Team Jayco AlUla) – Same time

9. Davide Ballerini (Ita/Astana Qazaqstan Team) – Same time

10. Juan Sebastian Molano (Col/UAE Team Emirates) – Same time

General classification after stage 18

1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) 67hrs 16mins 22secs

2. Daniel Martinez (Col/Bora-Hansgrohe) +7mins 43secs

3. Geraint Thomas (GB/Ineos Grenadiers) +8mins 6secs

4. Ben O’Connor (Aus/Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale) +9mins 47secs

5. Antonio Tiberi (Ita/Bahrain Victorious) +10mins 29secs

6. Thymen Arensman (Ned/Ineos Grenadiers) +11mins 10secs

7. Romain Bardet (Fra/DSM-Firmenich PostNL) +12mins 42secs

8. Einer Rubio (Col/Movistar) +13mins 33secs

9. Filippo Zana (Ita/Jayco-AlUla) +13mins 52secs

10. Jan Hirt (Cze/Soudal Quick-Step) +14mins 44secs