Tim Merlier defeated Jonathan Milan and his critics in the Padua Sprint at the Giro d'Italia.

Belgium has won 4 stages on the grand Tour, 20 wins on Soudal-QuickStep and 43 wins on career, but some people believe Merlier will wane after the first week of the grand Tour. His victory in Padua marked the first time he has won 2 stages on the Grand Tour and beyond the first week.

Merlier won Fossano in Stage 3, silenced critics with a stunning timed split in the heart of Padua and beat charged Milan in the second half by bicycle.

"The haters will be disappointed," Merlier winked after proving he could win on stage 18 of the Grand Tour. I said it. "Finally, we can show them that we can win the sprint even in Week 3 of the Grand Tour. I've believed it for a long time, but sometimes people need something to talk about.

"Every win is great, but it's special to win twice here," Merlier added, dedicating the win to nearby-based clothing sponsor Castelli, announcing a two-year extension of the sponsorship before passing Fonzaso's headquarters.

After winning 2nd in Padua, Merrier was able to win 3rd in Rome on Sunday. "It's very good, but it's not easy," he admitted.

The sprint to Padua was intense after a fast descent down the valley from the foot of the Dolomites. The Sprinters toyted the breakaway and took charge in the last 10 kilometers.

The Soudal-QuickStep team raced for Merlier, but GC riders Jan Hirt and Mauri Vansevenant stayed safe on wheels.

"Guys kept me in a good position, I wasn't freewheeling, but I was well positioned in a bunch," Merlier explained enthusiastically to praise each rider on the team.

"[Pieter]Serry did the early work, and [Josef]Šerny made the lead-out with a strong effort to hold there. Julian [Alaphilippe] played his role in some fast, [Luke] Lampelty too. 

"Bert Van Lerberghe was in contact with the audience 2 km away. Fortunately, he is like a bear, weighing 85 kg.

"After that, me and Bert Van Lerberghe were a little late, so he decided to take me to a good position in the last second corner. Then I was looking for a good position at 900 meters, but when I saw it at 300 meters, I knew I was going to start the sprint. 

"I am pleased to be able to reward workers in this way and silence critics.”