
Soudal-QuickStep were once the dominant force in the Spring Classics, monstering opposition with several leaders like Tom Boonen, Niki Terpstra and Philippe Gilbert at times throughout the past two decades. But after a disastrous campaign at their home races in 2024, a second-place finish at Gent-Wevelgem was more than they could have hoped for.
It came through star sprinter Tim Merlier on Sunday after a day of total suffering, as he outsprinted Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) to the line in Wevelgem, denying the American team a 1-2 finish alongside solo winner Mads Pedersen.