Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier achieved his third stage win at the Tour de France, marking his sixth overall victory in the 113th edition of the race.The 12th stage concluded with a chaotic sprint finish, where Merlier outpaced Dutch rider Olav Kooij and fellow Belgian Jasper Philipsen.The race was marred by crashes, notably when Colombian cyclist Fernando Gaviria fell, causing a chain reaction that brought down several riders.

Despite the disorganization, Merlier's victory was highlighted by his family presence at the finish line, adding personal significance to his win.

Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall lead, while other sprinters like Quinn Simmons and Mads Pedersen attempted to influence the outcome but fell short.The stage featured multiple breakaways and counter-attacks, showcasing the race's unpredictability.With no major mountain stages remaining, riders focused on securing points in the sprint classification.The event underscored the competitive nature of the Tour de France and the resilience of its participants.