A Belgian sprinter shines again

Belgian Tim Merlier won the twelfth stage of the Tour de France, thus taking advantage of what may be the last chance for the sprinters.

July 16, 2026

From: dpa

The 33-year-old won the 179,1-kilometer stage, which started at the Magny-Cours racecourse and finished in Chalon-sur-Saône, ahead of Dutchman Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen from Belgium. It was Merlier's third stage victory in this Tour de France.

The German sprinters, including Max Kanter and Pascal Ackermann, had no chance in the fifth bunch sprint, which was overshadowed by a crash shortly before the finish. Kanter finished as the best German in seventh place. This means the wait for the first German Tour de France stage win in over five years continues. Nils Politt last won in Nîmes in 2021.

Pogacar remains in yellow

The overall standings remain unchanged. Tadej Pogacar still holds a comfortable lead of over three minutes over Jonas Vingegaard. Germany's hopeful Florian Lipowitz is 4:44 minutes behind in sixth place.

On Friday, the Tour heads into the Vosges Mountains. The route covers 205,8 kilometers from Dole to Belfort. Approximately 25 kilometers from the finish, the riders will have to tackle the Ballon d'Alsace, a first-category climb.

Keywords racing bike Tour de France