Tim Merlier Wins Tour de France 2026 Stage 12 Sprint Hat-Trick 2026

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

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

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.