Tim Merlier won the third stage of the Tour de France on Monday after a sprint finish that resulted in a number of riders crashing saw the Belgian edge just ahead of Jonathan Milan. The Soudal Quick-Step rider needed a photo finish to confirm he ended narrowly in front of Italian Milan at the finish line in the coastal city of Dunkirk.

Tim Merlier pips Jonathan Milan on the line in a sprint finish to win a crash-marred stage three of the Tour de France.

It was by a narrow margin, but Tim Merlier won Monday's chaotic third stage of the Tour de France. It was an impressive victory for the Belgian rider from Soudal Quick-Step, who was one of the few fast riders to stay out of trouble.