Tim Merlier powered to his third stage victory of the 2026 Tour de France on Thursday, dominating a mass sprint to win the 179.1-kilometre 12th stage from Magny-Cours to Chalon-sur-Saône. The 33-year-old Soudal Quick-Step rider finished ahead of Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen for the sixth Tour stage win of his career, following his day-after triumph by Søren Wærenskjold.
The finish was marred by a violent crash in the final 500 metres that left Fernando Gaviria with a left shoulder injury. Biniam Girmay and Milan Fretin rounded out the top five.
Tadej Pogačar retained the yellow jersey, holding a 3:36 lead over Jonas Vingegaard and 4:06 over Remco Evenepoel. Florian Lipowitz sits sixth overall. Friday's stage covers 206 kilometres from Dole to Belfort.