Tim Merlier wins Tour de France third stage after crash carnage

Tim Merlier of Team Alpecin-Fenix won the Tour de France third stage after several crashes during the last few kilometers took out major contenders.

Tim Merlier has won the third stage of the 108th Tour de France amidst a crash-filled final ten kilometers.

The rider for Team Alpecin-Fenix was led out to the finish line by his teammate, current race-leader and yellow jersey-wearer Mathieu van der Poel who, since he finished in the same group maintains his race lead of 12 seconds over Julian Alaphilippe.

Crashes were once again the story in the third stage of the Tour de France

Merlier crossed the line seconds after both Peter Sagan of Team Bora Hansgrohe and Australian Caleb Ewans crashed into each other.

In the last three kilometers as the road narrowed and turned, a crash left Arnaud Demare, Team Qhubeka’s Simon Clarke and Jack Haig on the tarmac. Simon Clarke, Peter Sagan and Arnaud Demare finished the stage. Team Lotto Soudal confirmed that Australian Ewan has a collarbone fracture and will abandon the race. Team Bahrain Victorious also confirmed that Jack Haig will abandon the race.

Crashes did come at the start of the race with Welshman Geraint Thomas and Dutchman Robert Gesink falling but while Gesink had to abandon the race, Thomas continued with a dislocated shoulder.

The crashes also saw several contenders for the overall race win fall behind on time. Tadej Pogacar got stuck behind a crash involving Valentin Madouas and Jumbo-Visma’s Primoz Rogalic raced to catch up to the breakaway from the back of the peloton and make up for lost time. Warren Barguil and Fred Wright also crashed.

Alaphilippe retains the green points jersey while Pogacar retains the best young rider’s white jersey. Early on in the stage, Ide Schelling battled to be in the breakaway till he could collect more points to retain the King of the Mountains lead and the polka dot jersey.

Race officials face questions as to whether the 182 kilometer-long route from Lorient to Pontivy was too dangerous at the end. Teams will be assessing the damage to riders overnight in what has been a tour marred by several crashes.