Belgian rider Tim Merlier underlined his status as the Tour de France's dominant sprinter by winning Stage 12 on Thursday. The 179.1-km ride from Nevers to Chalon-sur-Saone marked Merlier's third victory of this year's race.
The finish was characterized by a chaotic and crash-marred dash for the line, during which several riders fell as they sprinted toward the end.
Merlier emerged on top of the dramatic finale, edging out Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen to claim the stage win.