Phoenix 24
A late surge decided everything at the line.
BERGERAC, FRANCE | JULY 2026
Tim Merlier claimed his second consecutive stage victory at the 2026 Tour de France after producing a powerful late sprint in Bergerac. The Belgian rider emerged from a crowded final approach to win the eighth stage by the narrowest of margins. Biniam Girmay finished second, while Olav Kooij completed the podium.
The 180.4-kilometer route from Périgueux was expected to favor the sprinters, but the closing kilometers nearly disrupted Merlier’s plans. He became boxed in near the final turn and narrowly avoided a crash before finding space to accelerate. With approximately 250 meters remaining, the Soudal Quick-Step rider launched the decisive movement.
Merlier’s victory followed his triumph in Bordeaux one day earlier and reinforced his position as one of the strongest sprinters of the opening week. The result also increased his total number of Tour de France stage wins. His composure inside a chaotic finish proved as important as his speed.
The day’s main breakaway included Thibault Guernalec, Jakub Otruba and Liam Slock. Slock later attacked alone and resisted the peloton until the final kilometers. The sprinters’ teams eventually eliminated his advantage before the race reached Bergerac.
The general classification remained unchanged after the flat stage. Tadej Pogačar retained the yellow jersey ahead of Jonas Vingegaard. Attention now turns to the next stage, where weather conditions and accumulated fatigue could reshape the rhythm of the race.
Phoenix24: clarity in the grey zone. / Phoenix24: claridad en la zona gris.