The International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour race saw riders complete a 207 kilometre route, which included three laps of a 45.1km circuit in De Panne.

A three-rider group featuring the Belgian duo Dimitri Peyskens and Jens Reynders, and Italy’s Enrico Battaglin, were able to establish a breakaway advantage of over seven minutes at one stage.

The gap was gradually reduced by the peloton, with the move ending with 30 kilometres left of racing as the focus turned to a bunch sprint.

Germany’s Pascal Ackermann crashed out of contention in the closing kilometres, as riders sought to negotiate the finishing circuit.

Alpecin-Fenix’s Merlier and BikeExchange-Jayco’s Groenewegen battled for the victory, with a photo finish required to separate the riders.

Merlier was found to have crossed the line first, winning in a time of 4 hours, 45min, 41sec.

The result added to his recent stage win at the Tirreno-Adriatico and victory at the Danilith Nokere Koerse race last week.

"I wasn't sure about the win for a long time," Merlier said.

"I have to thank Olav Kooij, who sprinted correctly.

"I was waiting for him to stay on his line or come to the right.

"I hesitated for a moment, but after that it was sprinting side by side with Dylan.

"I had to 'slog myself in motion' again, as we say in Flemish.

"That was apparently just enough."

Groenewegen, the 2019 winner, was left settling for second place.

The Dutch rider is still seeking his first win since serving a nine-month ban for his involvement in a crash at the Tour of Poland in 2020, which left compatriot Fabio Jakobsen hospitalised.

France’s Nacer Bouhanni completed the top-three on the same time as the winner.

Irish sprinter Sam Bennett, who had been hoping to defend the title earned last year, finished outside the top-10.

Attention will turn to the women’s race tomorrow.

Australia’s Grace Brown won last year’s race.