Merlier Claims 12th Win of 2026 with Houtland Sprint
The Belgian rider powered through a narrow lane to secure his second consecutive victory at the 189.6km race in West Flanders.
Key points
- Tim Merlier secured his 12th victory of the 2026 season at the Omloop van het Houtland.
- The Belgian rider won by a narrow margin ahead of Stanisław Aniołkowski and Dylan Groenewegen.
- The 189.6km race in West Flanders saw Merlier repeat his success from the previous year.
Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) claimed his 12th victory of the 2026 season on Wednesday. The win came at the Omloop van het Houtland in Belgium, marking his second consecutive triumph in this West Flanders classic.
The final 10km unfolded at a punishing pace. A three-man breakaway was absorbed, leaving the peloton to decide the outcome. Soudal-QuickStep, Tudor, and Unibet Rose Rockets fought for control as the field approached the tricky Lichtervelde finish.
Precision in the final kilometers
Bert Van Lerberghe initially drove Merlier to the front. However, the move came with over 1km remaining, proving too early. Merlier dropped back into the pack’s wheels, waiting for the final two corners to settle.
On the last straight, he surged down the right-hand side. He carved a narrow lane through the chaos, steamrolling his rivals. He held off Stanisław Aniołkowski and Dylan Groenewegen to cross the line first.
A dominant season in Belgium
This 1.1 race spans 189.6km, looping between Zedelgem and Lichtervelde. Merlier’s success here underscores his consistency in the region. The result places him ahead of Arvid De Kleijn and Lionel Taminiaux in the final standings.
Cyclingnews.com reports on this high-speed contest in detail. The race highlights the intensity of early-season sprinting. Merlier’s 12th win of the year reflects his sustained excellence across the 2026 campaign.
