Stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France was always going to be about one thing: the sprint. The 179.1km stage from Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours to Chalon-sur-Saône offered the fast men another opportunity before the race heads back into the mountains, and once again, it was Tim Merlier who came out on top.
Merlier claimed his third stage victory of this year’s Tour, holding off Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen after a dramatic finale that was marred by a late crash.
While the general classification remained unchanged, the sprint hierarchy became even clearer: Merlier is proving to be the fastest finisher in France, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s closing in on the green jersey, which still very much remains up for grabs.
Ned Boulting and David Millar break down Stage 12 of the Tour de France
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#cycling #tourdefrance #tadejpogacar #jonasvingegaard #grandtour
29 Comments
A great impersonation of Thomas Voeckler by Ned. As always, a great podcast, thanks.
I am really enjoying the For The Love Of Cycling podcast. I particularly enjoy its informal, relaxed presentational style and levity from two individuals who know the sport inside out. Keep up the good work gentlemen.
These are getting better and better, great entertainment with fabulous insights while not taking themselves too serious.
You have to love seeing this type of thing. Watching TV broadcasters outside of their clamped down, FCC enforced, rules and regs jobs (NBC Sports) to finally get to hear the real version of them.
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Neil and David are still a bit tight on here (for good reason) as they are trying to make this look and feel as professional, and approachable, as possible – for sponsors etc. But a guest? Completely different ball game – Just let them have at it 👍.
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That was the best 2nd half of your podcast yet, and not simply because of the guest, but having all three of you just being old friends talking shit ❤️🙏👍
I'd like to see Ned, David & Pete in a 3 man WWI play. David as upper middle class captain, Ned lower middle class lieutenant, and Pete as working class uppity private. David – slightly detached, but capable of rare brilliance. Ned – decent, conscientious, and utterly reliable. Pete – unpredictable, irreverent, but capable and inspirational.
Important question for Ned: Exactly how many notepads have you packed and are you getting nervous it may not be enough after today’s stage?
It seems NSN keeps pulling everyone to almost the final sprint. I thought Alpicin was not only slow but early
Deeply weird Tour. Weirdest for a decade. Miles Davis is the soundtrack for this one. Tutu, yeh. Bitches Brew coming up on the outside. Special podcast, thank you very much
what a larf keep it up
22:28 You could at least get Christian Vande Velde's name right 🙄
Thank you Ned and David, really enjoying the post race analysis and your interpretation of the team/individual tactics (or lack of) which shaped the day's racing. Really liked the high regard you have for DS/Fan/Pundit Pete K. Good to know that he's in a good place and being very effective.
Another no BS episode! Great points, and coverage. Thanks guys, I’m looking forward to the next three days of chaos! 😁🍺
TNT: Had to listen to a 10 minute discussion today on how to cure hiccups… 😒Thanks for the focus.
After 30 years of having it hanging around my life , I'm starting to really like Miles Davis "On The Corner". Part of the reason I always had it was because I thought it was cool, but also because he said he wanted to make something for the kids to dance to. The album wasn't well received for a long time and I don't Miles made another 'album'
Another cracking episode 😊 well done guys
What a joy Christian is, charismatic AND he likes jazz! Please get him back
I am so loving this podcast and the guys are just smashing it out the park with every episode.
One thing though, im on a short break near Hay-on-Wye ( World Book town allegedly?) And went through all the bookshops here (aover 20) but when looking for cycling books….could only see Wiggo and Armstrong ones..go figure??🤔
Best one so far. Informative, entertaining and funny start to finish. They mentioned a Thomas Voeckler (couldn't catch the name listening to it, got it from a comment below). As someone said below great impersonation by Ned.
Brilliant review of the KOM competition so far, Ned is not impressed to say the least. Not sure if this level of dissatisfaction is greater or lesser than his critical views of certain hotels (that he booked) and various disappointing bars.
I'm really enjoying these – thank you so much. Still smiling at the thought of MvdP in a fight in a pub car park (and I'm a bit of an ageing fangirl!)
Loved the PIppo description! 😂😂 VdV needs to join more often 👍
Thanks for all the laughs today plus I’m really enjoying the interviews you are posting. Brilliant!
When Thomas Volker left the tour it was a big blow for me because he was a pest and lit up boring stages. Quinn Simmons for me has replaced Thomas. Are they as similar as I think. Or are they miles apart?
They cracked me up with the Thomas Vockler comments . Vockler comes over as a slightly angry drunk on the back of the bike, but his insights are good once you get passed the delivery,
The green and polka dot jerseys are just weird. Merlier has won three sprint finishes but is still only fourth in the green standings. Pogacar has one three hilly stages and sits miles ahead at the top of the polka dot standings.
Just wanted to say thanking you for doing this. It's the perfect accompaniment to the highlights on 5. The two together are like watching ITVs coverage from the last few years!
Good luck with the quest for the bucket hat – keep us posted.
Another superb episode guys! (PS. Christian is remarkably good value. He's welcome back any time you can persuade him. Please…)
After the sadness of your last ITV tour your new format is bringing a smile to my face everyday of this tour. Long may it continue. Good luck with your bucket hat mission Ned.