📸 That won't make for a good night's sleep: Tim Merlier bears consequences of crash in Giro time trial

The first time trial of the 2024 Giro d'Italia was a tricky one. We already knew that Tobias Lund Andresen (dsm-firmenich PostNL) and Tim van Dijke (Visma | Lease a Bike) had hit the asphalt, but house photographer Sirotti also captured the aftermath of a crash involving Soudal Quick-Step sprinter Tim Merlier.

Merlier, who was just days ago relieved to have survived the finale in Andora, nevertheless kissed the asphalt during the time trial. The photo shows that the thigh, elbow and shoulder of the Belgian are battered. He finished the time trial in 160th place, but more importantly: on Saturday, the climb to Prati di Tivo begins right from the start, and a crash the day before is never pleasant.

Photo: Tim Merlier in torn clothes after crash in Giro time trial