Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier took victory in Dunkirk after stage 3 of the Tour de France was marred by a series of crashes that ended Jasper Philipsen’s race.
Soudal-QuickStep’s Merlier took his opportunity to pip Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) in a photo finish to secure the second stage victory of his career, pouncing after misfortune befell the stage favourite Philipsen. The Belgian had taken the opening stage of the race in dominant fashion and looked the favourite to hold on to his green jersey, but touched wheels with Bryan Coquard on the approach to the intermediate sprint and appeared to suffer a broken collarbone, with his abandonment soon confirmed.