Soudal Quick-Step rider pips Kooij and PhilipsenTadej Pogacar safely retains yellow jerseyThe likely final sprint stage of this year’s Tour de France was won by Tim Merlier, of the Soudal Quick-Step team, who added victory on the banks of the Saône to his wins in Bordeaux and Bergerac.In what has been a Tour of rare opportunity for both sprinters and breakaways, the final hour of racing was manic in its intensity and peppered with constant but futile attacks, until the riverside finish came into view. Tim Merlier comes out on top in a chaotic sprint finish to clinch his third stage at this year's Tour de France. Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier claimed his third stage victory of this year's Tour de France, winning a chaotic and crash-ridden sprint at the end of Thursday's 12th stage.
Merlier edged out rivals after navigating a disorganised finish that was disrupted by a late crash involving Fernando Gaviria, while overall leader Tadej Pogacar retained his commanding advantage.
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