Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier secured his third stage victory at the 2023 Tour de France on Thursday, claiming the win in a chaotic sprint finish marked by multiple crashes.
Riding for Soudal-Quick Step, Merlier edged out Dutchman Olav Kooij and teammate Jasper Philipsen, marking his third stage win of the 2023 Tour and sixth overall.
The sprint was marred by chaos when Colombian Fernando Gaviria crashed, taking down several riders, including stage 11 winner Soren Waerenskjold.
While Alpecin Premier Tech attempted to position Philipsen for the win, Merlier executed a masterful move through the chaos, as he had done twice before in this 113th Tour de France edition, to cross the line first.
Kooij, the stage five winner, finished second for the second consecutive day.
Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar safely navigated the final kilometers of the 179km stage, which ran from the Magny-Cours motor racing circuit in Nevers to Chalon-sur-Saone.
Pogacar retained his overall lead, extending it to over three and a half minutes ahead of two-time former champion Jonas Vingegaard.
Breakaway specialist Baptiste Veistroffer launched a solo attack approximately 25 kilometers into the stage, his third such move and the second time achieving complete isolation.
Three riders joined Veistroffer’s break after 57 kilometers, but all three were eventually dropped before the final 50 kilometers.
Multiple counter-attacks in the final 35 kilometers formed a 14-rider group ahead of the fragmented peloton, but this group was reeled in with 24 kilometers remaining.
The reabsorption of the break served as a signal for numerous riders to attempt moves in the final sprint, though no group managed to sustain their efforts.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Also Read
- Durham Appoints Kasey Aldridge as One-Day Cup Captain
- Serrano vs. Manzur: Historic 12-Round Title Fight to Stream Live on TikTok
- WWE Announces Worlds Collide Event in Chicago Opposite AEW All Out Weekend
- Report: Thomas Tuchel to Remain England Manager Following World Cup Semifinal ExitDespite entering the match as underdogs, England appeared poised to secure a victory against Argentina. An early second-half goal by Anthony Gordon initially put them ahead; however, the team ultimately lost control of the game and was outplayed by Lionel Scaloni’s side. Following their 2026 World Cup semifinal loss, Thomas Tuchel’s future was subject to intense speculation. Nevertheless, the English Football Association has reportedly decided to retain him as head coach for the foreseeable future.According to Fabrizio Romano, the English Football Association (FA) has committed to keeping Thomas Tuchel as England’s head coach. While the defeat in the 2026 World Cup has been a major disappointment for supporters, he will continue his tenure until UEFA Euro 2028, following a recent contract extension. Moving forward, the primary challenge for the manager will be delivering his first major trophy since taking charge of the national team.Tuchel’s tenure with England has faced significant scrutiny. Since his appointment, he has struggled to implement his signature ‘gegenpressing’ style, with the squad appearing overly reliant on individual brilliance. A primary strength has been the performance of Harry Kane, whose individual quality has unlocked several crucial matches. However, the team has struggled to establish a cohesive collective identity, often appearing tactically limited.As the team prepares for UEFA Euro 2028, Tuchel may need to reconsider his tactical approach and squad selection. After omitting key talents such as Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, England lacked sufficient options when attempting to adjust gameplay from the bench. To succeed, he must improve the team’s overall fluidity, which may require replacing certain players to foster a more cohesive, team-oriented system.England head coach Thomas Tuchel during a cooling break.Tuchel Defends England’s Performance Despite Statistical SetbacksDespite facing numerous injuries and suspensions, Tuchel successfully guided England to the semifinals. However, the team struggled to control possession, leaning heavily on Harry Kane for momentum. Their defensive vulnerabilities were clearly exposed against Argentina, drawing significant criticism from fans. Despite the backlash, the head coach chose to praise the squad’s efforts, even though match statistics tell a different story.England head coach Thomas Tuchel during a cooling break.“I don’t regret anything. The team gave everything, and we came incredibly close. We played one of our best matches, perhaps the best given the circumstances. The team was outstanding… We came very close, but we became too passive after scoring; we conceded too many chances and couldn’t regain control of possession,” said Thomas Tuchel following the loss to Argentina.While Tuchel maintains he has no regrets regarding his tactical decisions, England’s performance against Argentina lacked impact. In the final 30 minutes of the match, England held only 12% possession, marking their lowest percentage in a World Cup match in 60 years, according to Opta Joe via X. Furthermore, England managed only two shots on target throughout the 90 minutes, underscoring their inability to dictate the game or secure a victory.
