PARIS — Tadej Pogacar will defend the Tour de France yellow jersey on Saturday, July 18, when the race tackles another demanding stage that could reshape the general classification. The Slovenian retained the overall lead after Friday's crash-marred 12th stage.

Pogacar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, has held command of the race through the opening two weeks. His nearest challengers, including Visma-Lease a Bike's contenders, have looked to attack in the high mountains, where time gaps between the leading riders are largest.

Friday's stage was won by Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier, who took his second stage victory of this year's race. Crashes that disrupted the peloton raised concerns among team directors about rider safety on narrow, fast sections of the course.

ASO has positioned the closing week to favour climbers, and the general classification battle is expected to intensify. A strong performance by Pogacar on Saturday would consolidate his bid for a further Tour title, while any weakness could open the race to his rivals.

Saturday's stage will test both the leader and those chasing him before the Tour reaches its final phase.