PARIS - Stage 12 of the Tour de France unfolded over a predominantly flat route offering yet another opportunity for the sprinters to shine.
Belgian speedster Tim Merlier made the most of the chance available with a perfectly timed sprint to claim his third stage victory of this year’s Tour.
Colombian Fernando Gaviria hit the deck, bringing down several other riders, including stage 11 winner Soren Waerenskjold.
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Merlier found a route through the traffic and powered home to take the chequered flag.
Yellow jersey leader Tadej Pogacar finished safely in the peloton at the end of the 179km stage from Nevers to Chalon-sur-Saone.
He maintained his overall lead of more than three-and-a-half minutes to Jonas Vingegaard.