'Have to accept the others are better', says Jasper Philipsen after Stage 12 setback at 2026 Tour de France as Tim Merlier reigns supreme
Updated 16/07/2026 at 20:47 GMT+1
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Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) again had to accept falling short as Tim Merlier and his Soudal Quick-Step team celebrated their third sprint victory at the Tour de France on Stage 12 on Thursday.
Highlights: Merlier secures hat-trick of stage victories following crash-marred finish
Video credit: TNT Sports
Merlier was first over the line, followed by Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM), with Philipsen in third.
Live coverage of the 2026 Tour de France continues daily on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
"Of course we look at the images. I think we did a perfect job with the team," Philipsen told reporters.
"We did what was planned, and the sprint was good. Unfortunately, the others are better, we just have to accept that.
"I think my level is good. I wasn't on my level early in the Tour, but in the last few days I was feeling really good. Today I was also feeling really good. If I get beaten, that's the way it is.
"I already have 10 stage wins in the Tour, and I'm very happy with my palmares. We have worked super hard, and maybe the victory will come or maybe not. We'll see what the Tour brings.
"I'd rather be in the Tour de France than at home on the sofa, so I'll go on until Paris and enjoy every moment of the Tour."
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Merlier trebles up with his third stage victory following crash in chaotic finish
Video credit: TNT Sports
Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) kept his cool amid a degree of chaos on Thursday to claim his third stage win of the race.
Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural–Seguros RGA) brushed wheels and went down, tumbling into Stage 11 winner Soren Waerenskjold (Uno‑X Mobility) and triggering a crash that swept up most of the peloton.
"I think my radio was broken and I didn’t know about the late attack before the climb with 20 riders," Merlier said.
"Jasper Stuyven got a flat tyre but we stayed calm and I was on a good day. Today I was really focused on the guys who were boxed in yesterday. I found some space and I launched. It was the kind of finish that suited me."
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The route from Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours to Chalon-sur-Saone was always likely to be unpredictable, and the weather only added to that, with heavy rain and changing winds.
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) safely retained the yellow jersey, maintaining an overall lead of more than three-and-a-half minutes over Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike).
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