More sprint success for Tim Merlier on frantic stage 3 of the AlUla Tour; Tom Pidcock retains race lead

Tom Pidcock remains in the overall race lead at the 2025 AlUla Tour after Soudal - Quick-Step's Tim Merlier has sprinted to victory on windy, echelon-effected stage 3 ahead of Dylan Groenewegen.

Seven riders got themselves into the day's breakaway, including Jens Reynders, who had also spent much of the day prior on the attack as well. Thanks in part to the wind forcing some echelons behind at times though, the break never really managed to gain a large advantage. At just over 30km to go, their day on the attack was ended. With the peloton having accelerated to complete the catch though, echelons split the bunch again. Among the riders to have missed the front group was Team Jayco AlUla's Eddie Dunbar, who had started the day right in GC contention.

Heading into the final 10km, the Dunbar group was still over 30 seconds back on the front of the race. Despite getting to almost within touching distance, as the peloton accelerated ever quicker towards the finale, the second group was struggling to fully complete the catch. In the sprint for the line, Tim Merlier launched early and held the front all the way to the line ahead of Dylan Groenewegen.