Cycling-Merlier sprints to Giro stage three win, Pogacar still in pink

Cycling - Giro d'Italia - Stage 3 - Novara to Fossano - Italy - May 6, 2024 Soudal Quick-Step's Tim Merlier celebrates winning the stage on the podium REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

(Reuters) -Belgian rider Tim Merlier sprinted to victory in the third stage of the Giro d'Italia on Monday, after race leader Tadej Pogacar threatened to steal a march on the sprinters but the Slovenian safely retained the leader's maglia rosa.

The mostly flat 166km ride from Novara to Fossano was expected to culminate in a sprint finish, but Pogacar seemingly had other plans as he powered away with 2km left to ride, followed by Geraint Thomas, but they were caught before the line.