FOSSANO, Italy (AP) — Belgian rider Tim Merlier won the third stage of the Giro d’Italia after race leader Tadej Pogacar almost caught the sprinters by surprise in a breathtaking finale on Monday.

Merlier claimed his second career stage win at the Italian grand tour ahead of Jonathan Milan and Biniam Girmay.

For Merlier’s eighth win this season, he timed his last effort precisely, surging from the right side to pip Milan by less than half a wheel.

Pogacar, who grabbed the pink jersey on Sunday, was not expected to shine during Monday’s trek between Novara and Fossano. With its mainly flat profile and just a small hill near the finish, the 166-kilometer (103-mile) stage looked ideal for the first battle between the sprinters.

The main overall contenders were expected to spend the day safely in the peloton but Pogacar had other ideas.