Overview
- Tim Merlier won consecutive sprint stages, taking Stage 7 in Bordeaux and Stage 8 from Périgueux to Bergerac to record his fifth Tour stage victory.
- Merlier’s Stage 8 win narrowed the green-jersey points gap to roughly 15 points behind Mads Pedersen, making each remaining sprint more consequential for the points contest.
- Merlier recovered from being boxed in on the run-in by launching a long-range charge to reel in rivals, a finish enabled by organised lead-out work from Soudal-Quick Step.
- Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey and his multi-minute cushion from the Tourmalet attack remained intact as the peloton contested flat stages in hot conditions.
- Breakaways and heat have continued to shape flat stages, with Liam Slock’s long solo bid on Stage 8 caught about 1.3km from the line and teams adjusting tactics and rider care for the ongoing heatwave.