Gianni Meersman
Gianni Meersman (born 5 December 1985) is a Belgian former professional track and road bicycle racer, who rode professionally between 2007 and 2016 for the Discovery Channel, FDJ, Lotto–Belisol and Etixx–Quick-Step teams. He currently works as a directeur sportif for the Pauwels Sauzen–Bingoal team.
Meersman at the 2013 Tour de l'Ain. | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gianni Meersman |
| Nickname | Merrie |
| Born | 5 December 1985 Meulebeke, West Flanders, Belgium |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 63 kg (139 lb) |
| Team information | |
| Current team | Pauwels Sauzen–Bingoal |
| Disciplines |
|
| Role |
|
| Rider type | Attacker Stage hunter |
| Professional teams | |
| 2007 | Discovery Channel |
| 2008–2011 | Française des Jeux |
| 2012 | Lotto–Belisol |
| 2013–2016 | Omega Pharma–Quick-Step |
| Managerial team | |
| 2017– | Marlux–Napoleon Games (directeur sportif) |
| Major wins | |
Grand Tours
Stage races
| |
After stage 3 of the 2007 Tour de Georgia, Meersman was forced to abandon the race due to a severe case of patella tendinitis. He treated the riders of the Grand Peloton, a charity fundraiser ride, to his presence as the Peloton Captain of the "Blue Peloton". Meersman finally came to Grand Tour prominence, after 10 years as a professional racer, at the 2016 Vuelta a España winning two stages in bunch sprints. During the race, Fortuneo–Vital Concept announced that Meersman had agreed a one-year contract with the team for 2017. However, a diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia and scar tissue on his heart forced Meersman to announce his retirement on 30 December 2016. On 11 October 2017, Meersman was confirmed as the new sporting director for cyclo-cross team Marlux–Napoleon Games.