TIM MERLIER claimed his third win of this year’s Tour de France as he emerged triumphant from a chaotic, crash-hit end to stage 12 into Chalon-sur-Saone today.

Merlier edged out Olav Kooij and an increasingly frustrated Jasper Philipsen, who was third for a second day running, on the slight uphill sprint while Tadej Pogacar stayed safe in the yellow jersey.

Several riders were taken out in a big crash inside the final 350 metres, with Fernando Gaviria and Wednesday’s stage winner Soren Waerenskjold among those to hit the deck.

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