Tim Merlier Sprints To Stage 18 Win At 2024 Giro d'Italia

Tim Merlier won the 18th stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia in a messy bunch sprint, while Tadej Pogacar held his massive lead on a quiet day for him.

May 23, 2024 by AFP Report

Tim Merlier Sprints To Stage 18 Win At 2024 Giro d'Italia

Tim Merlier won the 18th stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia on Thursday in a messy bunch sprint, while Tadej Pogacar held his massive lead on a quiet day for the champion-in-waiting.

Belgian Merlier pipped local hero Jonathan Milan over the line in Padova after 178 kilometers of riding to claim his second victory in this year's Giro.

The Soudal-Quick Step rider had to hold off Milan in the final few meters, despite both him and his Italian rival being boxed in toward the chaotic climax of the race.

"Coming from the back is not that easy, but we managed well to find a good position," Merlier said. "I could feel someone coming on the left... then I saw it was Milan on my left, and I jumped. A really good jump was necessary."

Merlier's battles with Milan, who retains the cyclamen jersey prized by sprinters thanks to a 127-point lead over Kaden Groves, have been a feature of this Giro.

Milan had used Merlier's wheel to burst through and claim the 11th stage, while Merlier also edged Milan on Stage 3.

The Giro has one more opportunity for the sprinters in Sunday's final day procession around Rome, with Merlier eyeing a chance to move level at three stage wins this year with Milan.

"It would be nice to have 3-3, but we will see," Merlier added.

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2024 Giro d'Italia

Pogacar is 7 minutes, 42 seconds ahead of Daniel Martinez with three stages left, and the Slovenian is closing in on overall victory.

UAE rider Pogacar is bidding to become the first man to win both the Giro and the Tour de France since the late Marco Pantini in 1998.

"It was a perfect day, with good legs, I'm very happy with my day," Pogacar said.

The next two stages take the peloton back to the mountains, with Friday's finishing in Sappada, close to the border with Austria, before Saturday's punishing double climb of Monte Grappa, which is the last opportunity to make a move in the general classification.

Pogacar's position at the top of the tree almost certainly is sealed, but a podium place still is up for grabs, as the top 10 remains hotly contested.

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