Born just 31 days apart in the autumn of 1992, Soudal Quick-Step's Tim Merlier and Bert Van Lerberghe are a duo whose fates have long been connected.
In the first bunch sprint of the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Tim Merlier made history by becoming the first Belgian in 46 years to win three stages in a single edition of the Giro d’Italia. With help from his childhood friend Bert Van Lerberghe, who ramped up the speed under the flamme rouge to guide Tim to the final meters.
Less than a week after their unforgettable Giro d’Italia, the Belgian duo triumphed again at the Danish Gravel Challenge Blaavandshuk. They stayed in the lead group all day, with Bert closing down attacks in the final kilometers before Tim broke away near the finish to win and Van Lerberghe finished third, making it another perfect day for Soudal Quick-Step.
In this interview, we’ll go behind the scenes to get to know Tim and Bert better, from their first pedal stroke to succeeding in the pro ranks of the WorldTour. We’ll also gain deeper insight into their personal lives, passion for cyclocross and gravel racing, favorite Castelli products, and more.
So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Tim and Bert. I promise you, it's packed with insights and excitement.
🏆 We have TWO signed Soudal Quick-Step jerseys of for grabs. To participate, simply comment on your favorite moment or quote from this podcast episode on YouTube or in our pinned Instagram post.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome
03:10 Tim’s Journey into Pro Cycling
11:04 Bert’s Journey into Pro Cycling
18:50 Gravel Racing
24:07 Bert’s Strengths and Weakness
26:55 Tim’s Strengths and Weakness
28:29 First Castelli Memory
29:41 Favorite Castelli Products
31:30 Favorite Race to Win one Day Tim
32:42 Winning Gesture when Crossing the Line Tim
33:32 Favorite Race to Win one Day Bert
34:52 Favorite Paris-Roubaix sectore?!?
35:25 Quick Fire Round of Questions
37:40 Perfetto or Gabba?
43:44 Should Cobble and Gravel Stages be Part of a Grand Tour
45:35 Ending
45:50 Giveaway
(Recorded on December 13, 2023)
– LINKS –
Host: Soren Jensen
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