2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 18 | Highlights

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Tim Merlier showcased his sprinting prowess once again, claiming his second stage win at this year’s Giro d’Italia and marking a significant milestone with his 20th victory in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey. This triumph coincided with the race passing the offices of Castelli, who proudly announced the continuation of their partnership with the team until 2026.

The stage culminated in Padova, making a grand return to the Giro after 24 years, with the breathtaking Prato della Valle serving as the dramatic backdrop for the finish. After a series of demanding mountain stages, the day began relatively calmly, but the final kilometers turned into a high-stakes battle for position. Julian Alaphilippe, along with Luke Lamperti, expertly stretched the peloton, setting the stage for Bert Van Lerberghe to ramp up the speed under the flamme rouge, with Merlier perfectly poised in his slipstream.

Navigating through a series of treacherous corners, the last of which was a mere 300 meters from the finish line, created a frantic and chaotic sprint finish. Unfazed by the turbulence, the 31-year-old Belgian unleashed a blistering burst of speed, surging past his competitors to clinch his fourth Grand Tour stage victory by a narrow margin.

“This victory is incredibly special,” Merlier remarked, beaming with pride. “Securing my second stage win here this year and my ninth of the season is a fantastic feeling. The final kilometers were unbelievably fast and chaotic, but my teammates put me in the perfect position. Despite losing a couple of spots at the last corner, I stayed calm and confident, trusting my Specialized SL8 and Castelli sprint suit. At the start of the Giro, my goal was to win multiple stages, and achieving that makes this campaign a success.”

Merlier’s win underscores the exceptional teamwork and strategy of Soudal Quick-Step, marking their third stage victory at this year’s Giro d’Italia. As the race progresses towards its conclusion, Merlier and his team continue to demonstrate their dominance and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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