Tim Merlier surged to his third Tour de France 2026 stage win on stage 12, adding victory on the banks of the Saône to his earlier wins in Bordeaux and Bergerac. The Soudal Quick-Step sprinter emerged from a chaotic final hour that saw a sprint pile-up take down several riders, including stage 11 winner Søren Wærenskjold and Netcompany Ineos’ Dorian Godon.
In what is likely the last sprint stage of this year’s Tour, Merlier showcased his dominance, comfortably beating stage five winner Olav Kooij. The crash left riders strewn across the road, but Merlier kept his composure to take the win. “I found some space and I needed to calm down and then launch again,” he said.
How Tim Merlier Clinched the Hat-Trick
The final hour of racing was manic, with constant but futile attacks until the riverside finish came into view. Merlier, who experienced radio problems during the race, relied on his instincts and experience. “My radio was broken, and I was busy because the other guys were all coming to me,” he explained.
Joined by his young son on the podium, Merlier expressed his joy: “He is still young, but maybe he will remember it, and can watch it later. It’s extra motivation to win for them.” With this victory, Merlier has now established himself as the fastest sprinter in the 2026 Tour, eclipsing past multiple stage winner Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Premier Tech, who seems a shadow of his former self.
Stage 12 Sprint Comparison: Merlier vs. Kooij
| Rider | Stage Wins in 2026 Tour | Final Sprint Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Merlier | 3 (Stages 5, 8, 12) | 1st | Soudal Quick-Step |
| Olav Kooij | 1 (Stage 5) | 2nd | Team Visma-Lease a Bike |
| Jasper Philipsen | 0 | Outside Top 10 | Alpecin-Premier Tech |
Key Takeaways from Stage 12
- Tim Merlier now leads the sprint points classification with three stage wins.
- The crash involved Søren Wærenskjold and Dorian Godon, both forced to abandon.
- Radio communication issues affected multiple riders, including Merlier and Tadej Pogacar.
- The final stage in Paris will be based on a hilly circuit through Montmartre, limiting sprint opportunities.
FAQ
How many stages has Tim Merlier won in the 2026 Tour de France?
Tim Merlier has won three stages in the 2026 Tour de France: stages 5, 8, and 12.
Who was involved in the sprint crash on stage 12?
Stage 11 winner Søren Wærenskjold and Netcompany Ineos’ sprinter Dorian Godon were among the riders who crashed in the pile-up.
What made stage 12 the last sprint stage of the 2026 Tour?
The final stage in Paris is based on a hilly circuit through Montmartre, which is not suited for pure sprinters, making stage 12 their last opportunity for a win.
The urgency for sprinters in this Tour has become all the greater, with today’s stage expected to be their last chance. Merlier’s hat-trick cements his status as the top sprinter, but the race continues with mountain stages ahead.
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