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 –

Tim Merlier

Bert Van Lerberghe

Host: ⁠⁠Soren Jensen⁠⁠

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