Belgium’s Tim Merlier continued his outstanding Tour de France campaign by claiming his third stage victory of the 2026 edition, winning a dramatic bunch sprint at the end of stage 12 despite a late crash disrupting the finish.
The Soudal Quick-Step sprinter crossed the line first after the 179.1-kilometre stage from Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours to Chalon-sur-Saône, securing the sixth Tour stage win of his career. Olav Kooij finished second, while Jasper Philipsen completed the podium after a chaotic finale.
Late Crash Shakes Up the Sprint
The final sprint was marred by a crash inside the closing metres after Colombia’s Fernando Gaviria went down, bringing several riders to the ground. Among those caught in the incident was stage 11 winner Søren Wærenskjold, while Merlier successfully avoided the collision before launching his decisive sprint to victory.
Merlier credited his improved positioning to lessons learned from the previous day’s finish.
“Today I was really focused on the guys who were boxed in yesterday. I found some space and I launched,” the Belgian said after the stage. He added that the victory was particularly meaningful because his wife and young son were watching from the finish area.
Attacks Fail to Deny the Sprinters
Thursday’s stage featured numerous breakaway attempts, with several teams trying to prevent a bunch sprint. However, the peloton gradually reeled in every attack despite changing winds and intermittent rain that made racing conditions unpredictable throughout the afternoon.
The victory further cements Merlier’s status as the fastest sprinter of this year’s race. He has now won three stages, while Olav Kooij and Søren Wærenskjold have each claimed one sprint victory. Meanwhile, established sprinters Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay are still searching for their first stage wins of the 2026 Tour.
Pogačar Holds Firm in Yellow
There were no significant changes in the general classification, with defending champion Tadej Pogačar comfortably retaining the yellow jersey. The Slovenian continues to lead Jonas Vingegaard by 3 minutes and 36 seconds as the race prepares to enter a more demanding mountain phase.
The points classification remains led by Mads Pedersen, although Merlier’s latest victory reduced the Dane’s advantage. With the Tour now heading into hilly and mountainous terrain, opportunities for the sprinters are becoming increasingly limited before the race concludes in Paris later this month.
