Overview

• Tim Merlier won the third stage in Dunkerque with a photo-finish sprint against Jonathan Milan.
• Mathieu van der Poel navigated the chaotic finale unscathed to retain the yellow jersey after three stages.
• Jasper Philipsen suffered a heavy crash after contact involving Bryan Coquard and Laurenz Rex, fracturing his shoulder and forcing his withdrawal.
• Kévin Vauquelin continued to wear the white jersey as best young rider after back-to-back top-10 stage finishes.
• The series of violent crashes in the sprint finale has intensified scrutiny over rider safety ahead of the race’s tougher mountain and time-trial tests.