Tim Merlier won the 12th stage of the 2026 Tour de France on Thursday in Chalon-sur-Saône. The Belgian sprinter from Soudal Quick-Step outsprinted Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen in a mass sprint finish disrupted by a major crash in the final kilometer. Already a winner in Bordeaux and Bergerac, this was his third stage victory since the start of the race.
Tim Merlier confirms his sprint domination
After several tight corners, the peloton passed under the red kite, particularly stretched out. Alpecin-Premier Tech placed three riders at the front to set up Jasper Philipsen's sprint, launched by Mathieu van der Poel. Soudal Quick-Step kept Tim Merlier in the leading positions, while Decathlon CMA CGM protected Olav Kooij.
The speed increases dramatically on the long straight at Chalon-sur-Saône. The sprinters and their teammates occupy the entire width of the road. Each team tries to move up before the final sprint.
A mass crash breaks out behind the first sprinters
A few hundred meters from the finish line, a rider loses his balance in the middle of the second group. The crash immediately spreads behind him. Several riders collide, go over the handlebars, or slide across the road at high speed. Bikes lie across the road, cutting off a large part of the peloton. The riders behind have almost no room to avoid the crash. Some brake sharply, others are knocked to the ground by those who have already fallen. The crash creates a clear split between the small group contesting the victory and the many riders stuck a few meters back. Tim Merlier, Olav Kooij, Jasper Philipsen, and Biniam Girmay are already ahead of the crash and can continue their sprint.
Dorian Godon injured his back
Dorian Godon was among the most seriously affected runners. The Frenchman immediately complained of back pain and had great difficulty regaining his form. He crossed the finish line visibly weakened before being taken to the hospital for medical examinations.
Kevin Vauquelin describes the worrying condition of his teammate: "I immediately sensed that Dorian was unwell. He's going to have his back examined. He's also a friend, so when you see him complaining of back pain and barely able to pedal anymore, it's heartbreaking." Initial observations confirmed significant pain, but no definitive diagnosis was given immediately after the arrival. The Frenchman's condition will determine whether he can start the 13th stage.
Merlier achieves the first hat trick of this 2026 Tour
With three victories, Tim Merlier became the first rider to achieve a hat trick in this 2026 edition. The Belgian capitalized on another opportunity for sprinters and strengthened his record before the upcoming, more hilly stages. Stage 12 thus concluded with another demonstration of skill from the Soudal Quick-Step rider, now victorious in Bordeaux, Bergerac, and Chalon-sur-Saône.
Pogačar solid in yellow ahead of a decisive weekend
Stage 12 brought no changes to the general classification. Tadej Pogačar retains the yellow jersey with a 3-minute, 36-second lead over Jonas Vingegaard. Remco Evenepoel remains third, 4 minutes and 06 seconds behind, ahead of Juan Ayuso at 4 minutes and 22 seconds and Frenchman Paul Seixas, fifth at 4 minutes and 35 seconds. The contenders for the podium will now face much more demanding terrain. On Friday, Stage 13 runs from Dole to Belfort over 205,8 km of hilly terrain. The weekend then promises two decisive days for the general classification, with 155,3 km of mountain climbing between Mulhouse and Le Markstein on Saturday, followed by 183,9 km between Champagnole and the Plateau de Solaison on Sunday. After the rest day, the 26,1 km individual time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains will offer another opportunity for Vingegaard, Evenepoel, Ayuso and Seixas to reduce the gaps before the major Alpine stages.
