Stage 9 Winner — 2025 Tour de France — The Tim Merlier Mocktail No. 2
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Stage 9 belongs once again to Tim Merlier, the Belgian sprint specialist who’s proven his explosive finishing speed is unmatched when the lead-out is perfect. For his second victory of the 2025 Tour de France, we present The Tim Merlier Mocktail No. 2, that reflects his sharp finishing kick, cool composure under pressure, and Belgian roots, while keeping recovery and glycogen replenishment front and center so he’s ready for the next fast finish.
This new drink will complement The Tim Merlier Mocktail (his Stage 3 tribute) but with a slightly different approach—brighter, more aromatic, and tuned for rapid turnaround in consecutive sprint stages.
The Tim Merlier Mocktail
Part of our 21 Tour De France Mocktails Series
white grape juice … lemon juice … pear juice … non-alcoholic botanical amaro … ginger syrup … sea salt … soda water …
apple cider … grapefruit juice … lime juice … non-alcoholic botanical amaro … ginger syrup … cayenne tincture … sea salt … soda water …
Tribute to: Tim Merlier
Stage 3 Winner – Tour de France 2025
Team: Soudal Quick-Step
🔬 Performance-Driven Features
| Benefit | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Rapid glycogen replenishment | White grape juice (fast-absorbing glucose) |
| Vitamin C & immune support | Lemon juice |
| Hydration | Pear juice, sparkling water |
| Electrolyte replacement | Sea salt, lemon juice |
| Anti-inflammatory support | Ginger syrup |
| Digestive & circulatory boost | Non-alcoholic herbal amaro (botanicals & bitters) |
| Cultural identity | Pear juice & Belgian-inspired amaro |
Cultural & Personal Inspiration
- Belgian Botanical Touch – The herbal amaro pays homage to Belgium’s rich tradition of complex herbal liqueurs.
- Sprint Speed Fuel – White grape juice delivers rapid glucose for fast energy turnover between stages.
- Pear Smoothness – A nod to Belgian orchard produce, balancing the tart lemon with gentle sweetness.
- Controlled Kick – Ginger’s spice mirrors Merlier’s explosive yet measured sprinting style.
- Post-Sprint Reset – Sparkling water lifts the drink, cooling the body and refreshing the mind for the next showdown.
Mocktail Recipe
Recipe & Instructions: The Tim Merlier Mocktail No. 2
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz white grape juice (fresh for best results)
- 1 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best results)
- 1 oz pear juice (fresh for best results)
- ½ Non-Alcoholic Hemp and Root Bitters
- ½ oz ginger syrup (or more for sweetness)
- Pinch sea salt
- Top soda water chilled (about 2–3 oz)
Garnish
- Thin slice of pear
- Fresh lemon twist
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Why?
Stage 9 Summary
Who’s Tim Merlier?
Tim Merlier: Rider Profile
- Nationality: Belgian 🇧🇪
- Born: October 30, 1992 (Wortegem-Petegem, Belgium)
- Nickname: The Bullet from Flanders
- Specialty: Pure sprints, flat finishes, lead-out precision
- Current Team (2025): Soudal Quick-Step
Background
- Former cyclo-cross racer, which contributes to his excellent bike handling
- Grew up racing in Flanders, giving him deep roots in Belgian cycling culture
- Known for his calm demeanor off the bike and clinical execution on it
🏆 Career Highlights
- Tour de France stage winner
- Giro d’Italia stage winner
- Vuelta a España stage winner
- Belgian National Champion (Road Race, 2019 & 2022)
- Regular podium threat in flat one-day races and sprint stages
⚡ Racing Style
- Explosive acceleration – Top-end speed in the final 200 meters
- Technical positioning – Smart, assertive in chaotic sprint setups
- Reliable finisher – Often delivers when given a proper lead-out
- Versatile on classics-style terrain – Can survive small climbs better than many sprinters
Tour Swag
Mixology Resources
Tour de France Information
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Disclaimer: We are not doctors, nutritionists, or anyone you should take seriously when it comes to your health. While we may gush about the magical powers of certain ingredients or cite studies like we know what we’re talking about, please don’t be fooled—this is not medical advice. So if you’re considering trying our recipes or buying ingredients based on our enthusiastic ramblings, please consult a qualified healthcare professional first. Your health is important. We’re just Neanderthals mixing drinks.
