Cycling-Merlier sprints to Giro stage three win, Pogacar still in pink
Cycling – Giro d’Italia – Stage 3 – Novara to Fossano – Italy – May 6, 2024 Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier celebrates winning the stage on the podium REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
(Reuters) – Belgian rider Tim Merlier sprinted to victory in the third stage of the Giro d’Italia on Monday, after race leader Tadej Pogacar threatened to steal a march on the sprinters but the Slovenian safely retained the leader’s maglia rosa.
Cycling – Giro d’Italia – Stage 3 – Novara to Fossano – Italy – May 6, 2024 Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier crosses the line to win the stage REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
The mostly flat 166km ride from Novara to Fossano was expected to culminate in a sprint finish, but Pogacar had other plans as he powered away with 2km left to ride, followed by Geraint Thomas, but they were caught before the line.
Cycling – Giro d’Italia – Stage 3 – Novara to Fossano – Italy – May 6, 2024 Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier crosses the line to win the stage REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Soudal Quick-Step’s Merlier took the stage just ahead of Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek with Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay taking third for Intermarche-Wanty.
Pogacar, who won Sunday’s stage two and the overall lead, stays ahead of Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers and Daniel Martinez (BORA-Hansgrohe).
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Cycling – Giro d’Italia – Stage 3 – Novara to Fossano – Italy – May 6, 2024 Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier celebrates winning the stage on the podium REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini