Merlier's Speedy Sprint Secures Stage Three Victory at Giro.

Cycling General

Merlier's Speedy Sprint Secures Stage Three Victory at Giro.

Belgium's Tim Merlier displayed an impressive show of strength to claim the win in stage three of the Giro d'Italia.

Soudal Quick-Step's Tim Merlier clinched a narrow victory ahead of Jonathan Milan and Biniam Girmay in a fast-paced sprint at stage three of the Giro d'Italia.

Race leader Tadej Pogacar, coming off a stage two win, and Geraint Thomas attacked with 3km left but were caught before the finish line. 

Merlier's sprint prowess secured his second Giro stage win, following his 2021 stage two victory.

Merlier described it as his toughest win yet, navigating windy conditions without a good slipstream. He credited his victory to a well-timed sprint, beating Milan and expressing satisfaction with his performance.

Pogacar maintained the leader's pink jersey with a 47-second lead over Bora-hansgrohe's Daniel Martinez from Colombia and Thomas from Great Britain.