During an intermediate sprint 60km from Dunkirk, a crash occurred that removed the green jersey from Philipsen’s shoulders as he slid along the road at 70kph.

“In a headwind, it’s easier to come from behind in the sprints, it made things more chaotic,” he said.

“That was a mess,” Merlier said of the falls. “I lost a great deal of energy getting in position but it was a good bike throw. I knew I’d beat Milan.”

Tim Merlier of Belgium has one the Tour de France’s third stage. Source: Getty / Tim de Waele

Milan led over most of the final 150m, but even without sealing the stage win, his efforts were still rewarded as he inherited the green sprint points jersey from the stricken Philipsen.

Frenchman Kevin Vauquelin is in the best under-25 rider’s white jersey after staying in the finishing mix in all three stages.

The Tour de France’s third stage was a 179km flat run from Valenciennes along the Belgian border. Source: Getty / Dario Belingheri

Regional police said one million spectators had lined the roadsides on the opening day, and while rain dissuaded that kind of turnout for stage two, huge crowds turned out again for the run to Dunkirk.