BELGIAN cyclist Tim Merlier secured victory in the chaotic Stage 3 of the Tour de France, narrowly winning a photo finish as Mathieu Van der Poel retained the yellow jersey on Monday (Tuesday, July 8, 2025, PH time).
While general classification favorites Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard safely concluded the stage within the main peloton, the day was marred by multiple crashes, notably forcing Stage 1 winner Jasper Philipsen to abandon the race with a broken collarbone.
The 178-kilometer flat route from Valenciennes to Dunkerque was contested under wet conditions, contributing to a slower pace but treacherous riding.
Approximately 50 kilometers from the finish, Philipsen was involved in a collision with Bryan Coquard.
Although Coquard initially appeared to be at fault, replays showed that he lost balance after being clipped by another rider overtaking on his right.
Philipsen’s Alpecin-Deceuninck team later confirmed a broken right collarbone and potential broken ribs, necessitating surgery. Coquard expressed his regret, stating, “I would like to say sorry to Philipsen and Alpecin, even if it was not an intentional act.”
As the race neared its conclusion, further incidents occurred. Double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel was involved in a crash with three kilometers remaining but managed to continue.
The most significant pile-up, however, happened within sight of the finish line as sprinters, facing a strong headwind, accelerated to speeds of 65 kph.
Amidst the chaos, Merlier skillfully navigated the final meters, thrusting his front wheel just ahead of Italy’s Jonathan Milan, with Germany’s Phil Bauhaus finishing third.
This marks Merlier’s second career Tour de France stage win, mirroring his triumph on Stage 3 four years prior.
Merlier described the sprint as “a big battle,” adding, “When I found myself next to Milan, I knew it would be complicated to beat him.”
Yellow jersey holder Van der Poel, having narrowly won the previous day’s hilly stage, did not contest the sprint. / From the wires