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.

The 179km stage, which started on the former Formula One circuit in Magny-Cours, had come to life inside the final 25 kilometres as Mads Pedersen’s team launched a series of attacks, seemingly determined to soften up their sprint rivals on the undulating terrain.

It all came back together on the final run into town as teams positioned themselves for a technical run-in, with Philipsen’s squad coming to the fore inside the final kilometre.

They appeared to have the perfect lead-out in place but it was Merlier who got things right as the Belgian surfed the wheels, waiting for the road to open up in front of him and even freewheeling at one point before spotting his opportunity to charge through.

The Belgian had finished down in 15th on Wednesday, having found himself boxed in at the finish, but despite suffering problems with his radio he picked his moment to win on the day that his wife and young son were at the race.

“[My son] is still young but maybe he’s going to remember this one!” the Belgian said. “It gave me extra motivation. This one is special. It’s not easy to win on just the one day they are here and I’m really happy with that…”

A second consecutive sprint finish meant no change at the top of the general classification.

Pogacar, targeting a record-equalling fifth Tour title, continues to lead by three minutes and 36 seconds from rival Jonas Vingegaard, with Remco Evenepoel a further 30 seconds back in third ahead of tomorrow’s lumpy stage to Belfort.