Tour de France: Merlier takes the honors again

Tim Merlier won stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France in Chalon-sur-Saône on July 16, claiming his third victory at this year's edition and becoming just the third rider in team history to achieve a hat-trick of wins at a single Tour. The 33-year-old Belgian from Soudal Quick-Step had previously won in Bordeaux and Bergerac, and overcame a late breakaway that opened a 20-second gap in the final 30 kilometers. Jasper Stuyven played a key role in guiding Merlier through the peloton in the chaotic final kilometer of what was the last bunch sprint of this year's Tour.