Stage four of the Renewi Tour brought another sprint finish, and once again European Champion Tim Merlier (Soudal–Quick Step) proved the fastest. On the uphill drag to Hoeselt, he surged past Pavel Bittner and Olav Kooij to take his 14th victory of the season. Arnaud De Lie retains the leader’s jersey with a slim one-second advantage over Mathieu van der Poel.
The day was long animated by a breakaway featuring Dries De Bondt and Slovak champion Lukáš Kubiš. They fought bravely but were reeled in just 1.5 km from the finish.
In the frantic finale, Visma–Lease a Bike launched early for Kooij, but Merlier managed to find space at the decisive moment. Once clear, the European Champion powered past his rivals with ease.
Tim Merlier after the stage:
“This was a tough finish that suited me well. I was close to being boxed in, but found a way through. Kooij started a bit too early and I could come past. In sprints like this, timing makes all the difference.”
