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🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music

Stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France was always going to be about one thing: the sprint. The 179.1km stage from Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours to Chalon-sur-Saône offered the fast men another opportunity before the race heads back into the mountains, and once again, it was Tim Merlier who came out on top.

Merlier claimed his third stage victory of this year's Tour, holding off Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen after a dramatic finale that was marred by a late crash.

While the general classification remained unchanged, the sprint hierarchy became even clearer: Merlier is proving to be the fastest finisher in France, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s closing in on the green jersey, which still very much remains up for grabs.

Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 12 of the Tour de France

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