Merlier wins Giro Stage 3 after Pogacar fires up finale and stays in the lead
Belgium's Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step team celebrates as he won the third stage of the Giro d'Italia from Novara to Fossano, Italy, May 06, 2024. (Photo by Gian Mattia D'Alberto/LaPresse via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Gian Mattia D'Alberto/]
FOSSANO, Italy (AP) — Belgian rider Tim Merlier has won the third stage of the Giro d’Italia after race leader Tadej Pogacar almost caught the sprinters by surprise. Merlier claimed his second career stage win at the Italian grand tour on Monday. Jonathan Milan was second and Biniam Girmay third. Pogacar kept the pink jersey ahead of Geraint Thomas. The pair escaped from the main pack close to the finish but were caught with 500 meters left.
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Belgium's Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step team celebrates as he won the third stage of the Giro d'Italia from Novara to Fossano, Italy, May 06, 2024. (Photo by Gian Mattia D'Alberto/LaPresse via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Gian Mattia D'Alberto/