Tim Merlier (Vastgoedservice) is mostly known for his cyclo-cross skills but yesterday he got very close to a big road win when he was third in the 1.1 Schaal Sels that was marked by lots of cobblestones and dirt roads.

"It was a crazy race from start to finish," he told Directvelo. "The route proposed by the organizers naturally suited me with the dirt roads. I was extremely motivated today. In the finale, I even had cramps. I was at my maximum. I also suffered two punctures in the finale.

"I'm happy to finish on the podium because it seemed like a very bad start with Jelle Wallays having a minute. In the sprint [for third], I did not know where I found the strength. In the end I achieved a great result for the team and the staff."