Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier rides for Soudal-Quick Step. Late on he has expressed his hope to participate in the Tour de France next year. The 32-year-old previously tasted success in the prestigious race. Now he is eager to make a Cycling betting odds return. In particular, given the potential opportunities for sprinters in the 2025 edition.
Meanwhile, Soudal-Quick Step’s team leader, Remco Evenepoel, made headlines with his stellar performance in this year’s Tour de France. He won the white jersey and finished third overall in the general classification. Merlier is a Tour de France stage winner in 2021. Also, he was the 2024 European Road Race Champion. Additionally, he added three Giro d’Italia stage victories to his name this season. In turn, his ambition is to compete against top sprinters like Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay. Especially with the first stage of the 2025 Tour being flat. This offers a rare chance for a sprinter to don the yellow jersey.
Accordingly, as Merlier awaits confirmation, his focus remains on making the most of his offshore betting opportunities. He is dreaming of another memorable Tour de France appearance. Consider his proven track record and the right team support. His ambitions to claim a second-stage victory and a shot at the yellow jersey may well align with the team’s strategy.
Previously, editions reported that there was no Tadej Pogačar, defending champion and winner of three of the last five Tours. Nor Jonas Vingegaard, his eternal rival and winner from the previous two years. In like manner, Remco Evenepoel, the man who completed the podium behind them, is out. Additionally, he is perhaps the only rider with the raw Cycling lines talent to threaten them shortly.
Instead, the headline attendee was a man who had said he wouldn’t be riding the Tour de France next year. Namely, that is Mark Cavendish. Cavendish has not raced since completing this year’s edition. Correlate that he made history by winning a 35th career Tour stage. Hence surpassing Eddy Merckx as the race’s record holder for most wins at the race. With that years-long mission accomplished, a well-earned retirement looms. Following completion of the two final criteriums in Japan and Singapore.
Specifically, at the route presentation, Cavendish dropped a potential bombshell. Previously, he dismissed the notion that he would return to ride another Tour de France. When asked whether we’ll see him next year for the Grand Depart in Lille, he answered, “We’ll see.”
So, could Cavendish continue for another season? That was hardly a committed statement. However, he kept the door open for himself. He went on to explain his feelings towards the Tour. In turn, he talked of the exhausting effects of riding it, leaving him feeling done with it upon immediately finishing, yet its addictive qualities ultimately draw him back in.
In like manner to Like Cavendish, Redgrave became one of the all-time greats of his sport partly through longevity. Also, he has a resilient ability to keep coming back. Now, he is performing at the highest level deep into the second decade.
Indeed, it seemed Redgrave’s career was over. Immediately after winning a fourth career Olympic gold medal in as many Games at Atlanta in 1996, he famously made a declaration. “Anybody who sees me in a boat has my permission to shoot me.”