Merlier aims to finish the race

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier, a three-time stage winner in this year's Tour de France, has shifted his focus from winning individual stages to simply finishing the prestigious cycling race. The 33-year-old rider, who has achieved multiple stage victories in previous Tours, now believes the remaining course is not conducive to sprinters.

“

I just want to survive, maybe that's my goal now.

"I just want to survive, maybe that's my goal now," Merlier stated. "All riders want to reach Paris. If you give up mentally, you won't finish the race. But if you can still follow the grupetto, the chances of reaching the finish line are brighter."

“

All riders want to reach Paris. If you give up mentally, you won't finish the race. But if you can still follow the grupetto, the chances of reaching the finish line are brighter.

Merlier has also decided to abandon his pursuit of the green jersey, awarded to the overall points classification leader. Despite winning three stages, he currently sits fourth in the points standings, trailing the leader by 50 points. He explained that competing for intermediate sprint points could deplete his energy before the crucial mountain stages.

“

If you force yourself to chase points before the real climbs, you can run out of energy.

"If you force yourself to chase points before the real climbs, you can run out of energy," he said. "Last year I was still in the top group for the green jersey battle, but I chose not to sprint because if you push yourself too hard, you likely won't be able to continue the race. So, the green jersey is no longer my goal."

“

Last year I was still in the top group for the green jersey battle, but I chose not to sprint because if you push yourself too hard, you likely won't be able to continue the race. So, the green jersey is no longer my goal.