safety
Merlier wins crash-marred 12th stage of the Tour de France, Pogacar retains overall lead
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
Belgian rider Tim Merlier earned another stage win at the Tour de France while several riders fell as they sprinted to the line Thursday.Defending champion Tadej Pogacar avoided the crash and kept his significant overall lead over second-place Jonas Vingegaard after 12 stages.It was Merlier’s thi...
Key takeaway Later Thursday, the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team said the 31-year-old Gaviria sustained a fractured left collarbone and had pulled out of the race.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The crash-marred 12th stage of the Tour de France serves as a stark reminder of the risks cyclists take when competing at high speeds. In San Antonio , where cycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation, the safety of cyclists is a pressing concern. The city's streets can be hazardous, with potholes, uneven pavement, and distracted drivers posing threats to cyclists. As the Tour de France highlights the dangers of cycling, San Antonio's own cycling community may be reminded of the need for vigilance and caution when sharing the road with motorized vehicles. The city's efforts to improve cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and trails, are crucial in reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer environment for cyclists. By learning from the experiences of professional cyclists like Tim Merlier and Tadej Pogacar, San Antonio's cyclists can better navigate the city's streets and advocate for improved safety measures.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Belgian rider Tim Merlier earned another stage win at the Tour de France while several riders fell as they sprinted to the line Thursday.Defending champion Tadej Pogacar avoided the crash and kept his significant overall lead over second-place Jonas Vingegaard after 12 stages.It was Merlier’s thi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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