Merlier Wins Crash-Filled Tour Stage 3 in Dunkirk

Belgian cyclist Tim Merlier won a crash-filled Stage 3 of the 2025 Tour de France in a photo finish against Jonathan Milan, as Mathieu van der Poel retained the yellow jersey. The stage was marred by multiple crashes, including one that forced green jersey holder Jasper Philipsen to abandon the race with severe injuries, resulting in Milan taking over the sprint points jersey. Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel and Geraint Thomas were also involved in late crashes but were able to continue. Tim Wellens claimed the polka dot jersey after winning the Mont Cassel climb, while Kevin Vauquelin leads the best young rider category. Main title contenders Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard finished safely in the main pack, maintaining their positions in the standings behind Van der Poel. The next hilly stage goes from Amiens to Rouen, with the race set to conclude in Paris on July 27.