Tim Merlier powered to victory in the sprint finish of stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France, the flat 179.1km stage from Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours to Chalon-sur-Saône, confirming his status as one of the most feared sprinters in the race. The Belgian of Soudal Quick-Step beat Jasper Philipsen to the line, coming from behind in the final metres after launching late off his rival's wheel.
The bunch kick was settled in the closing stretch. Alpecin-Deceuninck once again assembled a three-rider lead-out train for Philipsen, with Mathieu van der Poel his last man to deliver him. The Belgian opened up first but was quickly matched by the other sprinters; Merlier surged late through the middle to take the win. For a visibly frustrated Philipsen, it was another missed opportunity: he dismounted and headed straight for his team bus to watch the replay, trying to work out where the sprint had slipped away.
Merlier's success represents a third stage win for Soudal Quick-Step at this Tour de France, underlining the Belgian squad's strength on the sprinter-friendly days. The overall standings, meanwhile, remain unchanged, with Tadej Pogačar still firmly in yellow ahead of the mountain stages.
