For European champion Tim Merlier, this was his 61st career victory. At the Tour de France, the 32-year-old Belgian celebrated his second stage win, having previously claimed Stage 3 from Lorient to Pontivy in 2021. Second place went to Italian Jonathan Milan (Lidl Trek), while German Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious) finished third.

🇧🇪 @MerlierTim wins the 3rd stage 🏅

🏅 La 3ème étape du #TDF2025 est pour 🇧🇪 @MerlierTim

👋 @Continental_fr pic.twitter.com/RJjkCwDtO2

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 7, 2025

In the general classification, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) continues to lead, holding a four-second advantage over Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) and six seconds over Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard (Visma Lease a Bike).

“It was a tough battle for the win. It was difficult to find the right position before the final gentle corner, but the team did a great job. In the last two kilometers, I had to fight my way forward, always facing the wind, but I managed to join the leaders before the last 500 meters. Milan is always tough to beat, so I’m happy I pulled it off,” said Merlier.

Philipsen Withdraws After Heavy Crash

At 122 km, a sprint for intermediate points unfolded between the green jersey contenders. Jasper Philipsen and Jonathan Milan fought for the top spot and 20 points.

Following a scuffle between two riders to his right, Philipsen was caught in a chain reaction and crashed after contact with Frenchman Bryan Coquard (Cofidis). The Belgian, who won the opening stage, crashed hard at approximately 70 km/h. With his jersey torn apart, he sat on the ground, and it was immediately clear he was seriously injured.

Belgian Suffers Broken Collarbone and Rib

Medical staff treated the abrasions on the 27-year-old’s back. Shortly after the incident, race officials announced that Philipsen could not continue.

His team later confirmed that Philipsen broke his right collarbone and at least one rib, and that he would require surgery. He will undergo the procedure in Herentals as soon as possible. Alpecin-Deceuninck stated in a press release that the sprinter, who has 54 career victories and is regarded as one of the world’s best sprinters, also won the prestigious Milano–Sanremo in 2024.

Groenewegen Disappoints with 13th Place

Luka Mezgec supported his sprinter train at Jayco AlUla, but their leader, Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen, could not place higher than 13th. Matej Mohorič attempted an early breakaway but later focused on assisting his teammates, including Bauhaus.

Tuesday will feature a rolling stage from Amiens to Rouen (174.2 km).