The riders were treated to another long stage. After 204 kilometres on hilly roads, a bunch sprint in Villeneuve-sur-Lot awaited. Van Aert started with doubts after his crash in stage 11. He decided during the stage to sprint. Ahead of the sprint, Van Aert was well positioned, although he had to brake a few hundred metres from the finish to avoid a collision with the crowd barriers. The Belgian managed to relaunch, but he was passed by winner Girmay just before the line.  

"It was chaotic at the end, but I was always well positioned", Van Aert said afterwards. "I sprinted well, but before I knew it I was between Arnaud Demare and the crowd barriers. I sprinted alongside him, but I got trapped. It's sour because that might cost me the win today."  

"Now I regret it, but I want to look at the positive aspect”, he added. "After the crash yesterday, I was in pain. It's no secret that I had doubts before the start because of the pain in my arm and hip. I am happy that I could already sprint again today. That's a good sign."  

Sports director Frans Maassen was glad to see Van Aert sprinting again. "During the stage he told me that he felt good, so he was allowed to take his chance. Things are not going his way in this Tour for now, but we are relieved that he was able to sprint for victory again the day after crashing. He had the legs to win today. That is positive. I am also relieved we were not involved in the big crash ten kilometres from the line. We were well in front as a team, so we could escape it. Although it was hard to see Primoz Roglic lose time."