🎥 Merlier finally beats Milan, but pays for it with a nasty crash after the finish line: "I think I'm okay"

Merlier crossed the finish line, cheering and at high speed, but he realized he had to avoid some people once he had crossed the line. He did not handle this well: his wheel flipped over, and the stage winner landed hard on the ground. His helmet bounced on the asphalt, but fortunately, he reassured us. "I think I'm okay," he laughed in the flash interview, adding immediately that nothing was seriously wrong.

The victory was sweeter than usual because things went wrong on Thursday. "Yesterday, we discussed with the team what went wrong. Today, we were very successful. They put me in a perfect position in the last kilometer and a half. I was on Milan's wheel, and the crash happened behind us. I hear my lead-out was involved, so I hope he's okay. I waited for my moment, and at the right time, I started my sprint. I'm pleased." Merlier was again on Jonathan Milan's wheel but got away this time.

The finale through the winding roads caused chaos, with Luka Mezgec first trying to surprise the sprinters. Then there was also a nasty crash, but luckily, Merlier stayed out of trouble. "If you're in a good position, riding on a course like that is not bad. It wasn't an easy day. Some riders were very motivated to impose a tough training session," Merlier said in response to the adventure of Tadej Pogacar and Lennert Van Eetvelt, who suddenly found themselves in the leading group.

"It was at a fast pace all day. But it wasn't too bad for us in the peloton; it must have been very demanding for those who had to set the pace." It is Merlier's sixth victory in the UAE Tour. "I am always happy to come here. I love this country, but also Saudi and Oman. It is fun to do these kinds of races, and I am happy to be able to win here this season," concluded Merlier, who took his third victory of the year.