Will Merlier celebrate again on the Houba de Strooperlaan, just like in 2020?
On Sunday, June 8, the starting gun will echo through the Cinquantenaire Park for a new edition of the Brussels Cycling Classic. Tim Merlier, who previously won the classic in 2020, will go up against Girmay, De Lie, and Fretin.
With the impressive triumphal arch in the background, the teams will be presented to the public from 10:50 in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park. At 12:15, the peloton will then set off for a 205 km journey featuring 10 climbs and a cobbled sector along the way.
The main challenge lies once again in the local loop in and around Geraardsbergen and Pajottegem. The riders will complete the loop three times, each time tackling the trio of climbs: Muur – Kapelmuur, Bosberg, and Congoberg.
After the final ascent of the Congoberg, 50 km remain toward the Houba de Strooperlaan, featuring the cobblestones of the Rosweg and the gradients of the Heiligekruiswegstraat. Around 17:10, we’ll find out who will succeed Jonas Abrahamsen.
Participants
One of the top favourites for the win is without a doubt Tim Merlier, who already claimed victory in 2020. The European champion will line up alongside his Soudal Quick-Step teammate Paul Magnier to take on a strong Uno-X Mobility squad. Defending champion Jonas Abrahamsen will be supported by Alexander Kristoff and Rasmus Tiller.
Biniam Girmay, runner-up last year, will represent Intermarché-Wanty, while Lotto is counting on the fast legs of Belgian champion Arnaud De Lie. Also featured on the provisional start list are Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Milan Fretin (Cofidis), Sam Welsford (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe), Pavel Bittner (Team Picnic PostNL), and Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor Pro Cycling Team). Discover the provisional start list below.
