Tim Merlier wins third stage at Tour de France amid crash

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier secured his third stage win of the 2024 Tour de France, triumphing in a chaotic sprint at the end of Thursday’s 12th stage. The finish was marked by a late crash that involved Colombian rider Fernando Gaviria, disrupting the normally orderly sprint and forcing Merlier to navigate a disorganized line to claim victory.

Merlier edged out his rivals after the crash caused a split in the peloton, with the Belgian rider timing his effort to surge ahead in the final meters. The incident did not affect the general classification, as race leader Tadej Pogačar maintained his substantial overall lead, preserving his commanding position in the Tour.

The stage win adds to Merlier’s growing résumé in this year’s race, while the crash highlights the unpredictable nature of sprint finishes in the Grand Tour. Organisers will review safety measures following the incident, and the race will continue with the next stage scheduled for Friday.