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Merlier Wins Stage 12 as Gaviria Crashes, Pogacar Leads

7/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tim Merlier of Soudal-Quick Step won Tour de France stage 12, his third stage victory of 2026.
Fernando Gaviria crashed, fractured his left collarbone and withdrew from the race.
Defending champion Tadej Pogacar avoided the crash and kept a 3 minute 36 second overall lead over Jonas Vingegaard after 12 stages.
Stage 12 spanned 179 km from the Magny-Cours circuit to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Merlier said his wife and son Jules motivated him.

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Story summary

Tim Merlier of Soudal-Quick Step won Tour de France stage 12, his third stage victory of 2026.
Fernando Gaviria crashed, fractured his left collarbone and withdrew from the race.
Defending champion Tadej Pogacar avoided the crash and kept a 3 minute 36 second overall lead over Jonas Vingegaard after 12 stages.
Stage 12 spanned 179 km from the Magny-Cours circuit to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Merlier said his wife and son Jules motivated him.