Tim Merlier Secures Back-to-Back Wins at Paris-Nice

Tim Merlier of Soudal-QuickStep achieved his second consecutive victory at Paris-Nice, winning stage two in a bunch sprint and maintaining the leader's yellow jersey. Merlier showcased his speed, finishing ahead of Emilien Jeannière and Hugo Page, despite facing mechanical issues and crashes that affected other competitors. Following his win, he expressed a mix of confidence and humor regarding the upcoming team time trial, acknowledging the challenges ahead. Earlier, during stage one, Merlier also secured his first win of the race, emphasizing his strong performance alongside his team's efforts. The race has been marred by crashes, leading to several rider abandonments, including Australia's Luke Durbridge. The intensity of the competition remains high as the riders prepare for the crucial team time trial stage.