Merlier Clinches Second Giro d'Italia Stage Win in Thrilling Sprint

Stage 18 saw Tim Merlier narrowly defeat Jonathan Milan, while Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall lead.

Tim Merlier won stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia in a dramatic sprint finish in Padova.
Merlier's victory marks his second stage win in this year's race, having also won stage three.
Jonathan Milan finished second, followed by Kaden Groves in third place.
Overall leader Tadej Pogacar kept his substantial lead of over seven minutes.
The race now heads into the hills with a challenging 157km stage from Mortegliano to Sappada.