Tim Merlier criticises fellow sprinters - 'There are a few names I’d rather not sit behind'

The European road race champion, who was forced to brake to avoid fallen riders, did not hold back when discussing the incident with Sporza. "I could compile a list of those who go down on the ground during the race, and yet again, I found myself in that situation," Merlier said.

"Sometimes they seem to prefer hitting the ground rather than sprinting. I'd rather race my sprint, avoiding crashes and injuries," he explained. "It's a matter they need to sort out for themselves, but there are a few names I would prefer not to be behind in those chaotic moments."

Despite his criticism of others, Merlier acknowledged his own role in being caught behind the crash. "At that moment, I didn't have control; otherwise, I wouldn't have been behind the crash. I thought I could still rally, but I had made two poor choices at the roundabout."

The incident prevented what could have been a third stage victory for Merlier, who has already claimed two wins in this year's Tour. Looking ahead to the final sprint opportunity on the Champs-Élysées, he remained realistic about his chances.

"It will be very difficult on the Champs-Élysées. It's a challenging three-day stretch ahead, and my legs won't be pleased," Merlier concluded. For Merlier to even stand any chance of even competing for that slim chance of stage 21 victory, he will have to work together well in the grupetto in stages 18, 19, and 20 to make the time cut in the torturous Alpine mountain stages.

Merlier's comments highlight ongoing concerns about safety in bunch sprints, an issue that has remained contentious throughout recent Grand Tours as riders push the limits in high-speed finales in sometimes borderline dangerous finales, which wasn't the case today.