Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier ready for Belgian team sprint clash at European championships

Belgium have opted for the high-risk tactic of selecting Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier for Sunday’s European road race championships and will give both the freedom to sprint for victory, even if they go head to head and shoulder to shoulder. 

Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout has selected two sprinters because both Philipsen and Merlier are potential winners and so in theory offer more chances of victory.