The Independent
·Jul 2026
Belgian delight for Tim Merlier in second straight Tour de France stage victory as Tadej Pogacar retains lead
Tim Merlier secured a second consecutive Tour de France sprint victory with a late surge on stage eight, passing Jasper Philipsen and others in the final metres. Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall lead ahead of Jonas Vingegaard, while Biniam Girmay finished second on the day. A breakaway by Liam Slock was caught shortly before the finish as teams organized the chase. Organisers shortened the upcoming stage nine due to heat risks.