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

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.

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.