- Stock markets diverge going into weekend
- BHP, Vale agree to pay $30bn compensation for Brazil dam disaster
- Verstappen says 'definitely' his intention to remain at Red Bull
- Mbappe can launch Madrid career in first Clasico
- A monumental dump and Obama the rapper: an offbeat US campaign week
- Biden to apologize for abusive Native American boarding schools
- Pressure is part of manager's life, says troubled West Ham boss Lopetegui
- Gaza ministry says Israel forces detaining hundreds at hospital
- Hirscher confirms return from retirement at World Cup opener
- IMF raises concerns about effects of Sudan conflict on neighbors
- Seoul slams Russian treaty with N. Korea, Zelensky urges 'tangible pressure'
- De Zerbi hails Greenwood as Marseille await Paris Saint-Germain
- Under-fire Ten Hag blames injuries for derailing Man Utd
- Wounded Arsenal must show 'ruthless mentality' against Liverpool: Arteta
- Howe challenges Newcastle stars to step up
- UK's Labour govt prepares to unveil its first budget
- New Zealand eye history after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- Guardiola backs Man City's Foden to emerge from slump
- England reeling at 24-3 after gritty Shakeel century
- Pakistan judicial reforms see next top judge passed over
- Germany promises more visas for Indians during Scholz visit
- Postecoglou says hype will not affect teenage star Moore
- PSG reject league order to pay Mbappe 55 mn euros in back pay
- Olympic champion Zheng finds mojo to reach Tokyo semis
- Gritty Shakeel century gives Pakistan lead over England in third Test
- Tropical storm leaves towns submerged, 76 dead in Philippines
- Ancelotti 'not losing sleep' over improved Barca ahead of Clasico
- New Zealand lead by 301 after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- Stock markets diverge in steady end to week
- UK climate strategy ruled lawful in landmark court case
- Lebanon says Israeli strike that killed media workers a 'war crime'
- Slot targets Arsenal scalp after flying start for Liverpool
- Shakeel's gritty century lifts Pakistan to parity in third Test
- Uganda court sentences former LRA commander to 40 years
- Marc Marquez clocks lap record to go fastest in Thai MotoGP practice
- Smog in Pakistan megacity ends outdoor play for schoolkids
- New Zealand on top after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel killed its leader
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel's killed its leader
- Lebanon minister says Israel strike puts second Syria crossing out of service
- Ahmed triple strike leaves Pakistan 187-7 in third Test
- Lebanon says Israeli strike killed 3 media workers
- Asia markets diverge after Tesla boosts Wall Street
- Tunisian freediver Walid Boudhiaf eyes records and developing the sport
- Schauffele makes up ground in Japan after opening-day nightmare
- Santner takes seven as New Zealand bowl out India for 156
- Lebanon says Israeli strike kills 3 journalists
- Beyonce v Joe Rogan: stars power up US election
- Locals fume as Lisbon's historic trams become tourist 'toy'
- India 107-7 after Santner takes four wickets for New Zealand
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AZN | -0.52% | 75.505 | $ |
Merlier pips Milan to Giro third stage, bold Pogacar holds lead
Tim Merlier won the third stage of the Giro d'Italia on Monday, pipping Jonathan Milan to the line in a bunch sprint after race leader Tadej Pogacar made a bold attempt to steal victory.
UAE rider Pogacar tried to take his second stage in as many days in the final two kilometres of the 166km run from Novara to Fossano with a surprising burst.
But Merlier claimed his second stage win in the Giro after one in 2021, the same year he took his sole Tour de France stage.
"It was the hardest victory so far. It was a really hard final. I got to 300 metres and I said 'you need to go'," said Soudal–Quick-Step's Merlier.
"I saw Milan was starting his sprint on the left side and I knew I was going to be first or second and I'm happy I won this one."
Pogacar is red-hot favourite to win the Giro at his first attempt and was once again in the thick of the action after storming to victory in Sunday's second stage and only just missing out on Saturday's opener.
The two-time Tour de France champion made his move after following an attack by EF Education–EasyPost's Mikkel Honore. For a moment it looked like Pogacar and his pink jersey rival Geraint Thomas would battle it out for the win.
But the pair were caught by the peloton near the line before Merlier claimed the tightest of victories over Milan and Intermarche-Wanty rider Biniam Girmay.
"We tried to keep on going but I never believed we could make it to the finish," said Pogacar.
"In the end, I tried but 400 metres to the finish is still a long way to go, way too long."
Briton Thomas, a former Tour de France winner, is 46 seconds off the pace in the general classification. The Ineos rider is the only one looking capable of challenging Pogacar for overall victory.
"We just wanted to stay out of trouble," said an exhausted Thomas.
"Then I saw Honore and Pog go and then I was like 'might as well just go' but jeepers man that was solid, he was kicking my head in. I was just trying to hold his wheel.
"I looked back and I was surprised that there was such a big gap but I knew they were going to come. It was a bit different.
"Good start, I'm feeling all right, hopefully I can continue to build."
On Tuesday the peloton take on a 190km slog from Acqui Terme to Andora on the Italian Riviera.
The sprinters should have another chance to shine in a stage which takes on the Capo Mele climb made famous by the Monument race Milan-San Remo.
A.Rodriguezv--AMWN