Merlier claims third stage victory as Pogacar retains Tour de France lead
Biniam Girmay Merlier edges out sprint rivals Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen in Stage 12, but Tadej Pogacar continues to hold the yellow jersey.
Belgian cyclist Biniam Girmay Merlier has secured his third stage victory of the 2026 Tour de France, winning Stage 12 in Chalon-sur-Saône. According to reporting from France 24 International, Merlier finished ahead of sprinters Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen to claim the stage honours.
The result marks a significant milestone in the ongoing race for the Belgian rider, who has now demonstrated consistent performance across multiple stages of the 2026 edition. His victory in Chalon-sur-Saône adds to his tally of stage wins, reinforcing his position as a key contender in the sprint classifications.
Despite the shift in stage results, the overall general classification remains unchanged. Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey, continuing his lead in the race. The stage outcome did not alter the hierarchy of the overall standings, with Pogacar maintaining his position at the top of the leaderboard.
The 2026 Tour de France continues to progress through its route, with the focus now shifting to the remaining stages. Merlier’s third win highlights the competitive nature of the sprint finishes, while Pogacar’s consistency in the general classification underscores the strategic demands of the race.
As the event moves forward, attention remains on the interplay between stage specialists and general classification contenders. The results from Stage 12 provide a snapshot of the current dynamics, with Merlier capitalising on his sprint strength and Pogacar preserving his overall advantage.
