Merlier finishes perfect lead-out from Van Lerberghe after chaotic echelon stage - Horror crash for Eekhoff in final kilometer
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Follow us on GoogleTim Merlier has won the third stage of the AlUla Tour. The Soudal Quick-Step sprinter claimed victory after a dramatic finale, which was overshadowed by a nasty crash involving Nils Eekhoff. The final two hours were raced at a blistering pace, averaging nearly 50 km/h due to strong winds, causing significant casualties—including some of the general classification contenders. The European champion secured his second win in three days.
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After the shortened and challenging second stage, where Tom Pidcock took both the stage win and the leader’s jersey, stage three was set up perfectly for the sprinters. The 180-kilometer route was almost entirely flat, providing a prime opportunity for Tim Merlier to chase another victory following his success in the opening stage. Because on paper, it looked like it would be a relatively straightforward day.
However, danger was lurking around the corner as the wind started to pick up. As the stage progressed, the pace intensified, and the early breakaway stood little chance. The seven-rider move was reeled in with 35 kilometers to go, just as Picnic PostNL decided to shake things up. The Dutch squad took full advantage of the windy conditions, forcing splits in the peloton. Soudal Quick-Step and Q36.5 Pro Cycling were also quick to react, making sure they were well-positioned for the chaotic finale.
Read more below the photo!
Wind causes echelons as speed reaches insane levels
Jayco AlUla was caught off guard in the chaotic conditions. While sprinter Dylan Groenewegen made the front group, leader Eddy Dunbar, who was sitting in seventh position in the GC, was caught out. Rafal Majka (UAE Team Emirates) also found himself in the second peloton, a group of about 30 to 40 riders. They fought desperately to close the gap, but with speeds soaring, it was a massive challenge—the fourth race hour saw an average speed of no less than 50 km/h.
As teams began organizing for the sprint, the chasing group surprisingly started closing in on the leaders. But just as the real sprint trains kicked into gear, the gap widened again. Tudor Pro Cycling worked for Arvid de Kleijn, who was looking for redemption after crashing in stage one. Groenewegen also had revenge on his mind.
In the final two kilometers, race leader Tom Pidcock suffered a puncture, but since it happened inside the safety zone, it had no impact on his overall position. However, the final kilometer saw another horrific crash—Nils Eekhoff went down after a Caja Rural - Seguros RGA rider lost control in front of him. Eekhoff then slammed full-force into a lamppost, causing a brutal impact. Meanwhile, Tim Merlier was delivered perfectly by Bert Van Lerberghe, setting him up for the sprint. Groenewegen had no answer, finishing second behind Merlier, with Juan Sebastián Molano taking third.
Stage 3 AlUla Tour 2025 results:
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
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Bram van der PloegEditor-in-chief
Bram van der Ploeg (35) is the proud founder of In de Leiderstrui, IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, launched in 2018. Finally, he could create stories about the sport he had followed since childhood. He is the editor-in-chief on paper, but prefers to be with his recorder next to a rider, a team bus, or in the mud at a cyclocross race. Every year, from February to the end of May, Bram follows the entire Italian cycling season, from the Trofeo Laigueglia to the Giro d'Italia, with the grand finale in October in Lombardy. During that time, he lives in Tuscany, where he has since come to call Italy his 'home'.
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Latest Comments
- I’m still learning the calendar: is cyclocross mainly preparation for the spring classics, or does he race it as a separate goal as well? I’d love to see him back in the mud.jeremya04-11-2026
- The article makes it sound as if Roubaix is the only classic where he has a realistic shot. He’s been close in Flanders too, and one good tactical day can change everything.jennifer1904-11-2026
- Milan-Sanremo and Roubaix is a pretty special pair of Monuments. Any clues yet on which cyclocross races he’ll target?andrewf04-11-2026
- He’s right to be realistic about Flanders with Pogačar and Evenepoel around, but you can’t count Van Aert out on those roads. If he gets the right opportunity, he has the engine and experience to take it.davidm04-11-2026
- That Roubaix win felt like such a release after all the near-misses. Brilliant to hear that joy outweighed relief for Wout.patriciaw04-11-2026
- Why would a mountain time trial be different from a normal one? Is it just that the riders have to climb the whole course?samanthak03-11-2026
- I don’t quite buy the “fear of failure” argument. Riders can race the Giro and still have confidence in July; it comes down to recovery and planning, doesn’t it?patriciaw03-11-2026
- The Giro-Tour double is a massive ask, even for the very best. Pogačar made it look almost routine in 2024, but that’s hardly a sensible benchmark for everyone else!pedalpowe2903-11-2026
- Bakelants makes a fair point: if the 2027 Tour really suits Remco, he can’t afford to dilute the build-up. That 37km flat TT will be tempting, mind.julien03-11-2026
- Mont Blanc sounds like a spectacular finish, though four climbs on the final day might be a bit much after eight hard stages. Hope the route details are clear soon.raceready703-11-2026
