"When I raised my arms, I was a little worried" - Tim Merlier edges out Jonathan Milan in photo finish on stage 3 of 2025 Tour de France

The was almost nothing to separate Tim Merlier and Jonathan Milan in a chaotic bunch sprint finale to stage 3 at the 2025 Tour de France. On the photo finish however, it was the European champion who prevailed by the barest of margins, adding a second Tour stage to his ever-growing list of accomplishments.

"I'm very happy, it's my second victory in the Tour and I've only sprinted twice in the Tour!" Merlier beamed in his post-stage interview afterwards, referencing his win back in 2021 at his only previous trip to the sport's biggest race.

Although he raised his arms in celebration as he crossed the line, Merlier was far from certain of the win. "In the last five kilometres, it was really difficult to stay in the slipstream. I had to try several times to find my position. It was only in the last 500 metres that I was able to get back into the slipstream. It cost me a lot of energy, but once I was in position, I was confident in my sprint," he explains. "It was really close. I knew I was in front, but when I raised my arms, I thought Milan had made a good jump, so I was a little worried. It's always difficult against Milan."

And after the disappointment of being caught out on stage 1 and missing the bunch sprint, this victory is a strong way to bounce back for the Soudal - Quick-Step sprinter. "I came here to win a stage. Of course, the Yellow Jersey was also a goal, but I'm happy to have my stage," he concludes.