Tim Merlier may have to forget about the spring: “Never say never, but I think it’s unrealistic”

Merlier spent multiple weeks riding very little — or not at all — because of the knee issue, but there are finally signs of improvement. “He’s had a good first week of training again, with rides of three hours,” Foré explained. “Until recently, the knee pain would always start after half an hour in the saddle.”

Even so, the Belgian looks set to be out longer than originally hoped. Races like Ronde van Brugge and Middelkerke–Wevelgem are likely to come too soon — and with the Scheldeprijs and Paris-Roubaix not far away, the clock is ticking quickly.

“We have to realise he wasn’t able to train in December and January,” Foré underlined. “He certainly needs six to eight weeks to rebuild his base fitness.”

So the chances are very real that we won’t see Merlier race at all this spring. “I wouldn’t want to start him in a 260-kilometre race with such a thin base,” Foré said. “I never say never, but I still think it’s unrealistic.” Last year, Merlier still managed a podium in Middelkerke–Wevelgem — a race close to his heart — and he also won the Scheldeprijs.

“I think with Tim, we’re better off aiming for longer-term goals, more with the Tour de France in mind,” Foré continued. “With the right support from our physiotherapists, a good combination of physiotherapy and then a calm and sensible return to training, we’re now on the right track.”