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Tim Merlier has won his 2nd race in 1 week. The Belgian from Alpecin-Fenix was the fastest in the GP Monseré. In a bunch sprint, he started surprisingly early and did not stop, Mark Cavendish and Timothy Dupont couldn’t remound and be happy with podium places. The race was full of crashes as the roads at points been very narrow. The young peloton wanted to race, a group of 9 chose the open roads with an early breakaway including the son of Museeuw Stefano. But the peloton took control of the race under the leadership of Deceuninck-Quick-step and hauled them back to order. The team of Mark Cavendish parried attacks from small groups. A bunch sprint seemed inevitable. On the last passage of the Gitsberg, 7 km before the finish, Amaury Capiot (Team Arkea – Samsic and son of ex-pro Johan) attacked. The 27-year-old Belgian could hit a gap of up to 8 seconds, but to no avail…a bunch sprint was on the menu !! Rory Towsend was 53th @ 9 seconds of the winner, while Fintan Ryan did not finish. Michael McLoughlin did not start.
