France: Merlier takes second consecutive Tour sprint
PUBLISHED Jul 11, 2026, 4:23 PM ET
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BERGERAC, France, July 11 (Reuters) - Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step claimed his second consecutive Tour de France stage victory on Saturday, powering to another late sprint win on stage eight. After also taking stage seven, the 33-year-old left it late again on the 180.4-km flat route from Perigueux to Bergerac, waiting until the final 400 metres to launch his effort. Merlier said he had been boxed in just before the last corner and almost crashed, but he accelerated with about 250 metres remaining and overhauled the riders ahead in the final metres despite struggling in the heat. Eritrean Biniam Girmay (NSN) crossed the line second, with stage five winner Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) taking third and Belgian Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) finishing fourth after his team had led out the final sprint. Earlier in the day, Thibault Guernalec, Jakub Otruba and Liam Slock formed the main breakaway, and Slock went solo on the climb to Buisson de Cadouin before being caught just before the final kilometre as the sprinters’ teams increased the pace. Four-time champion Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) safely retained the overall race lead, with Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) staying second, 2 minutes 42 seconds behind. Organisers said stage nine on Sunday will be shortened by 30 km due to heat-related risks, with a detour reducing the distance between Malemort and Ussel.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Last year Liam Slock rides Vuelta
- Friday Merlier wins Tour stage seven sprint
- Saturday Stage eight runs Perigueux to Bergerac
- Saturday Slock attacks on Buisson de Cadouin
- Saturday Peloton closes gap inside final 10km
- Saturday Slock caught just before final kilometre
- Saturday Merlier launches from 400 metres out
- Saturday Pogacar keeps overall Tour de France lead
News Intelligence
- The Tour de France isn't just a race, it's a testament to human endurance and strategy. If you're a cycling fan, Merlier's back-to-back wins show the importance of timing and perseverance. Even if you're not, his story can inspire you to push through your own challenges.
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