{"id":2047190,"date":"2026-07-16T15:30:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T12:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2047190"},"modified":"2026-07-16T15:30:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T12:30:58","slug":"tour-de-france-tim-merlier-wins-sprint-skirmish-on-stage-12-ahead-of-major-pileup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2047190","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France: Tim Merlier wins sprint skirmish on stage 12 ahead of major pileup"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g93dfxbmpUCM2Z5ZjfRJXQ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g93dfxbmpUCM2Z5ZjfRJXQ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Breakaway holds off charging bunch on Tour de France stage 9 as former world champion wins in Ussel\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2LhfiCPbiBXd7F8SD9RQHB-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Another day of status quo as sprinters enjoy the last flat stage\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6Q2Xhyw4tnatsz4rBNvHd-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/J6Q2Xhyw4tnatsz4rBNvHd-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Another bunch sprint decides stage 8 of the 2026 Tour de France after breakaway rider caught in final 2km\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tour de France: Tim Merlier wins sprint skirmish on stage 12 ahead of major pileup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Race Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T15:30:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen duplicate podium spots for a second day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) wins for a third time at this year&#8217;s race, this time in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne on stage 12<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" 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data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Results<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 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our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-09873a4c-811a-11f1-8e7c-fb26fb2ab66f\">After missing out in Nevers, Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) proved that he&#8217;s the top sprinter of this year&#8217;s Tour de France, speeding to victory in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne, his third triumph of the race.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian will likely miss out to Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) in the fight for the green jersey, but nobody could stop him from winning here as he freestyled the final, jumping from Milan Fretin&#8217;s (Cofidis) wheel to surge home first.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-09873a4c-811a-11f1-8e7c-fb26fb2ab66f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fretin and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) had launched the sprint with 200 metres to go, but Merlier blasted past the pair of them as Pedersen, who started the sprint by Merlier&#8217;s side, faded to ninth.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 5 winner Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) and another green jersey contender, Biniam Girmay (NSN), came around the outside edges of the group, though neither could outpace Merlier. Instead, Kooij edged out Philipsen for second, while Girmay took fourth ahead of Fretin.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[My son] is still young but maybe he will remember it, and he can watch it later,&#8221; Merlier said after win number 75 of his career.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier claims back-to-back victories on stage 8 with furious sprint into Bergerac<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s extra motivation to win for them. This one is a special one, they were here today. It not easy to win just on the day they are here, so I&#8217;m really happy with it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f590-8133-11f1-9860-cd39e258688c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tim Merlier celebrates on the podium with his son Jules after winning the 12th stage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f608-8133-11f1-8e69-dbf246ccd83a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It hadn&#8217;t all been plain sailing during the 179.1km ride, however.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We had radio problems My radio was broken, and I was busy with the radio because the other guys were all coming to me, I was busy with the radio, there was an attack of 27 riders or something, so I didn&#8217;t know,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then we pass the little climb and then I saw it was only one more [climb] to go, I suffered not so hard like the other days, I wanted to pass the other one, and the ones I passed in a good position, and the last one with good motivation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Jasper Stuyven got a fat tire. I think he was not sure anymore to do the leadout. I said to stay calm, the tire sealed and I think the communication was much better between us today. I helped him to stay calm and he did it, and it was a good day.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Olav Kooij wins stage 4 in photo finish ahead of Tim Merlier<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier wins stage 2 to claim race lead<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6b99817a-812b-11f1-b037-dfd35cd13074\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Riders sprint towards the line on 2026 Tour de France stage 12 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f68a-8133-11f1-9f78-c38a07c36ac7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The sprint was a difficult one also yesterday. Today, I was really focussed on the guys who were in the move yesterday, and that was the reason I was boxed in, so today, I tried to stay in front of them. Today I found some space. I needed to calm down and then launch again. I know it was a kind of finish that suits me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The day delivered a hard-contested sprint, but no change in any of the Tour&#8217;s main classifications. Pedersen, ninth at the line but second at the day&#8217;s intermediate sprint, continues in green with 357 points to Girmay&#8217;s 317 and Philipsen&#8217;s 311. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) holds yellow and polka dots, while Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) continues in white.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-battle-into-burgundy-town\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Battle into Burgundy town<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f766-8133-11f1-bc1c-e781886e4ff9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Following S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold&#8217;s stage 11 triumph in Nevers on Wednesday, Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne hosted the second half of a sprint double-header. The Tour last visited the Burgundy town seven years ago, when Dylan Groenewegen sprinted to glory ahead of Caleb Ewan and Peter Sagan.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Much like the previous day&#8217;s outing, the 179.1km ride, starting out rom the motor racing circuit south of Nevers, was largely flat, with just a trio of fourth-category hills interrupting the monotony. The last of them, the C\u00f4te de Montangy-les-Buxy (2.5km at 3.9%) lay 20km from the finish line.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stages opening 20 brought attack after attack from riders including<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Josh Tarling (Netcompany Ineos), Mike Teunissen (XDS-Astana), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor), and Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) off the front as they fought to get in the day&#8217;s break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f7ca-8133-11f1-98be-0d274f8689f0\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Baptiste Veistroffer of Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 takes a moment to hydrate during the breakaway effort <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f838-8133-11f1-96e7-a9679f5468a0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A move from Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), already part of two breakaways this Tour, kicked off his third day out front. He started off alone, but unlike his 144km solo effort on stage 5, however, as Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), Matt\u00e9o Vercher (TotalEnergies), and Ewen Costiou (Groupama FDJ-United) joined him after the day&#8217;s intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Green jersey Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) grabbed another 20 points there, while the break races away to a two-minute lead as sprint teams Soudal-QuickStep, Alpecin-Premier Tech and NSN controlled the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Veistroffer led the break over the first two hills of the stage to pick up two mountain points, while little else of note happened before the third and final test.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 62km from the finish, with the peloton under a minute behind and bearing down fast, Veistroffer and Costiou decided it was time to jump away at the front and blow the break apart.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vercher and Caruso were quickly caught by the peloton, while Costiou dropped and was caught with 47km to run, leaving Veistroffer to go it alone once more.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f8a6-8133-11f1-9477-a536c4d22e31\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Derek Gee-West of Lidl &#8211; Trek leads the peloton <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f90a-8133-11f1-8451-17fc15ad25bf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He lasted until 31km from the line, by which point Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) had kicked off the attacking behind. Moves came and went, with his teammates Mattias Skjelmose, Derek Gee-West, Toms Skujin\u0161, and Mads Pedersen also getting involved over the next 15km as they sought to disrupt the inevitable sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things calmed down once the day&#8217;s final hill, the C\u00f4te de Montagny-les-Buxy, was over and done with, even if a few other riders tried hopeless moves.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final 10km was far calmer, with XDS-Astana joining NSN, Soudal-QuickStep, and Alpecin-Premiet Tech in controlling the front and setting up the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Czech champion Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) led the way into the final 2km, while Alpecin-Premier Tech and double stage winner Merlier \u2013 plus lead-out man Jasper Stuyven \u2013 took over heading under the flamme rouge.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f96e-8133-11f1-8aff-c76fffb17914\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Fernando Gaviria holds his left arm as he crosses the finish line after the crash with his Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA teammate Stefano Oldani <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f9dc-8133-11f1-ad98-2b3cf0e4e815\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) would play no part in the dash for the line, both coming down just before the sprint was opened and then holding up much of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up front, Mathieu van der Poel peeled off the front to launch Philipsen. However, the Belgian wouldn&#8217;t go on to add to his career tally of 10 stage wins. Coming from behind, it was his compatriot who proved the fastest once agin to grab his sixth.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-results\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier claims back-to-back victories on stage 8 with furious sprint into Bergerac<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Olav Kooij wins stage 4 in photo finish ahead of Tim Merlier<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier wins stage 2 to claim race lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I get beaten, that&#8217;s the way it is&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen forced to accept defeat as rivals Soudal-QuickStep celebrate their third Tour de France win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Nienke Veenhoven outpowers Charlotte Kool to secure stage 1 sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt powers to win on flat prologue<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Race Results<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Nienke Veenhoven outpowers Charlotte Kool to secure stage 1 sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt powers to win on flat prologue<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold goes from distance to hold off Olav Kooij for victory in furiously-fast stage 11<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar shreds the field in the Massif Central to extend GC lead and claim stage 10<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Gravel Earth Series: Geerike Schreurs dominates five days at Oregon Trail Gravel while Cameron Jones retakes lead from Ian Boswell on final stage for men&#8217;s overall<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Right now the fight is for the podium&#8217; &#8211; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare for two-handed GC game in Tour de France&#8217;s long weekend of mountain stages<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We will need to survive as well as possible&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar hints at quiet start to tough trio of climbing stages in race<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We go bananas&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek honour fair play code but throw cat among pigeons with barrage of attacks on the Tour de France sprinters&#8217; teams<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He was our big hope for the win&#8217; &#8211; Former Tour de France leader Fern\u00e1ndo Gaviria exits with broken collarbone<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tour de France: Tim Merlier wins sprint skirmish on stage 12 ahead of major pileup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Race Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T15:30:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen duplicate podium spots for a second day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) wins for a third time at this year&#8217;s race, this time in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne on stage 12<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Battle into Burgundy town<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" 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our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-09873a4c-811a-11f1-8e7c-fb26fb2ab66f\">After missing out in Nevers, Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) proved that he&#8217;s the top sprinter of this year&#8217;s Tour de France, speeding to victory in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne, his third triumph of the race.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian will likely miss out to Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) in the fight for the green jersey, but nobody could stop him from winning here as he freestyled the final, jumping from Milan Fretin&#8217;s (Cofidis) wheel to surge home first.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-09873a4c-811a-11f1-8e7c-fb26fb2ab66f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fretin and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) had launched the sprint with 200 metres to go, but Merlier blasted past the pair of them as Pedersen, who started the sprint by Merlier&#8217;s side, faded to ninth.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 5 winner Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) and another green jersey contender, Biniam Girmay (NSN), came around the outside edges of the group, though neither could outpace Merlier. Instead, Kooij edged out Philipsen for second, while Girmay took fourth ahead of Fretin.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[My son] is still young but maybe he will remember it, and he can watch it later,&#8221; Merlier said after win number 75 of his career.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier claims back-to-back victories on stage 8 with furious sprint into Bergerac<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s extra motivation to win for them. This one is a special one, they were here today. It not easy to win just on the day they are here, so I&#8217;m really happy with it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f590-8133-11f1-9860-cd39e258688c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tim Merlier celebrates on the podium with his son Jules after winning the 12th stage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f608-8133-11f1-8e69-dbf246ccd83a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It hadn&#8217;t all been plain sailing during the 179.1km ride, however.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We had radio problems My radio was broken, and I was busy with the radio because the other guys were all coming to me, I was busy with the radio, there was an attack of 27 riders or something, so I didn&#8217;t know,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then we pass the little climb and then I saw it was only one more [climb] to go, I suffered not so hard like the other days, I wanted to pass the other one, and the ones I passed in a good position, and the last one with good motivation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Jasper Stuyven got a fat tire. I think he was not sure anymore to do the leadout. I said to stay calm, the tire sealed and I think the communication was much better between us today. I helped him to stay calm and he did it, and it was a good day.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Olav Kooij wins stage 4 in photo finish ahead of Tim Merlier<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier wins stage 2 to claim race lead<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6b99817a-812b-11f1-b037-dfd35cd13074\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Riders sprint towards the line on 2026 Tour de France stage 12 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f68a-8133-11f1-9f78-c38a07c36ac7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The sprint was a difficult one also yesterday. Today, I was really focussed on the guys who were in the move yesterday, and that was the reason I was boxed in, so today, I tried to stay in front of them. Today I found some space. I needed to calm down and then launch again. I know it was a kind of finish that suits me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The day delivered a hard-contested sprint, but no change in any of the Tour&#8217;s main classifications. Pedersen, ninth at the line but second at the day&#8217;s intermediate sprint, continues in green with 357 points to Girmay&#8217;s 317 and Philipsen&#8217;s 311. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) holds yellow and polka dots, while Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) continues in white.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-battle-into-burgundy-town\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Battle into Burgundy town<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f766-8133-11f1-bc1c-e781886e4ff9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Following S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold&#8217;s stage 11 triumph in Nevers on Wednesday, Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne hosted the second half of a sprint double-header. The Tour last visited the Burgundy town seven years ago, when Dylan Groenewegen sprinted to glory ahead of Caleb Ewan and Peter Sagan.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Much like the previous day&#8217;s outing, the 179.1km ride, starting out rom the motor racing circuit south of Nevers, was largely flat, with just a trio of fourth-category hills interrupting the monotony. The last of them, the C\u00f4te de Montangy-les-Buxy (2.5km at 3.9%) lay 20km from the finish line.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stages opening 20 brought attack after attack from riders including<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Josh Tarling (Netcompany Ineos), Mike Teunissen (XDS-Astana), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor), and Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) off the front as they fought to get in the day&#8217;s break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f7ca-8133-11f1-98be-0d274f8689f0\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Baptiste Veistroffer of Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 takes a moment to hydrate during the breakaway effort <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f838-8133-11f1-96e7-a9679f5468a0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A move from Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), already part of two breakaways this Tour, kicked off his third day out front. He started off alone, but unlike his 144km solo effort on stage 5, however, as Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), Matt\u00e9o Vercher (TotalEnergies), and Ewen Costiou (Groupama FDJ-United) joined him after the day&#8217;s intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Green jersey Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) grabbed another 20 points there, while the break races away to a two-minute lead as sprint teams Soudal-QuickStep, Alpecin-Premier Tech and NSN controlled the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Veistroffer led the break over the first two hills of the stage to pick up two mountain points, while little else of note happened before the third and final test.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 62km from the finish, with the peloton under a minute behind and bearing down fast, Veistroffer and Costiou decided it was time to jump away at the front and blow the break apart.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vercher and Caruso were quickly caught by the peloton, while Costiou dropped and was caught with 47km to run, leaving Veistroffer to go it alone once more.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f8a6-8133-11f1-9477-a536c4d22e31\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Derek Gee-West of Lidl &#8211; Trek leads the peloton <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f90a-8133-11f1-8451-17fc15ad25bf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He lasted until 31km from the line, by which point Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) had kicked off the attacking behind. Moves came and went, with his teammates Mattias Skjelmose, Derek Gee-West, Toms Skujin\u0161, and Mads Pedersen also getting involved over the next 15km as they sought to disrupt the inevitable sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things calmed down once the day&#8217;s final hill, the C\u00f4te de Montagny-les-Buxy, was over and done with, even if a few other riders tried hopeless moves.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final 10km was far calmer, with XDS-Astana joining NSN, Soudal-QuickStep, and Alpecin-Premiet Tech in controlling the front and setting up the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Czech champion Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) led the way into the final 2km, while Alpecin-Premier Tech and double stage winner Merlier \u2013 plus lead-out man Jasper Stuyven \u2013 took over heading under the flamme rouge.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f96e-8133-11f1-8aff-c76fffb17914\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Fernando Gaviria holds his left arm as he crosses the finish line after the crash with his Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA teammate Stefano Oldani <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f9dc-8133-11f1-ad98-2b3cf0e4e815\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) would play no part in the dash for the line, both coming down just before the sprint was opened and then holding up much of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up front, Mathieu van der Poel peeled off the front to launch Philipsen. However, the Belgian wouldn&#8217;t go on to add to his career tally of 10 stage wins. Coming from behind, it was his compatriot who proved the fastest once agin to grab his sixth.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-results\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier claims back-to-back victories on stage 8 with furious sprint into Bergerac<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Olav Kooij wins stage 4 in photo finish ahead of Tim Merlier<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier wins stage 2 to claim race lead<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4GK2kuwMwpvQsPAVkTH2uF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I get beaten, that&#8217;s the way it is&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen forced to accept defeat as rivals Soudal-QuickStep celebrate their third Tour de France win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Nienke Veenhoven outpowers Charlotte Kool to secure stage 1 sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Y8wPioqsSbwjGgzZzZkjiX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mads Pedersen reveals plans to retire after home World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwsNp8pK67T8qXi7yDGvBP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As heat takes a toll in France, another weather extreme brings a freeze to the action at the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLm8dEn7ULG8aJ6ntcjtX6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With one sprint stage remaining, the Tour de France green points jersey is Mads Pedersen&#8217;s to lose &#8211; Analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt powers to win on flat prologue<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Race Results<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tTp2FivrkovhbBTjzyyqZA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Nienke Veenhoven outpowers Charlotte Kool to secure stage 1 sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PU6VdCZueJc4RpqL7wL4Hh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Baloise Ladies Tour: Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt powers to win on flat prologue<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NHznLBDLdWJWt3ABy4iJwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold goes from distance to hold off Olav Kooij for victory in furiously-fast stage 11<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LG6KEcmdvEyCusy9BrkMKB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar shreds the field in the Massif Central to extend GC lead and claim stage 10<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pjpu2Xa23NX4YAkjF293c8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Gravel Earth Series: Geerike Schreurs dominates five days at Oregon Trail Gravel while Cameron Jones retakes lead from Ian Boswell on final stage for men&#8217;s overall<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pG2ZAN4hpK6gZUCivVcFJ7.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Right now the fight is for the podium&#8217; &#8211; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe prepare for two-handed GC game in Tour de France&#8217;s long weekend of mountain stages<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We will need to survive as well as possible&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar hints at quiet start to tough trio of climbing stages in race<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We go bananas&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek honour fair play code but throw cat among pigeons with barrage of attacks on the Tour de France sprinters&#8217; teams<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;He was our big hope for the win&#8217; &#8211; Former Tour de France leader Fern\u00e1ndo Gaviria exits with broken collarbone<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tour de France: Tim Merlier wins sprint skirmish on stage 12 ahead of major pileup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Race Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-16T15:30:58Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n16 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Olav Kooij and Jasper Philipsen duplicate podium spots for a second day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-09873a4c-811a-11f1-8e7c-fb26fb2ab66f\">After missing out in Nevers, Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) proved that he&#8217;s the top sprinter of this year&#8217;s Tour de France, speeding to victory in Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne, his third triumph of the race.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian will likely miss out to Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) in the fight for the green jersey, but nobody could stop him from winning here as he freestyled the final, jumping from Milan Fretin&#8217;s (Cofidis) wheel to surge home first.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-09873a4c-811a-11f1-8e7c-fb26fb2ab66f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fretin and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) had launched the sprint with 200 metres to go, but Merlier blasted past the pair of them as Pedersen, who started the sprint by Merlier&#8217;s side, faded to ninth.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 5 winner Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) and another green jersey contender, Biniam Girmay (NSN), came around the outside edges of the group, though neither could outpace Merlier. Instead, Kooij edged out Philipsen for second, while Girmay took fourth ahead of Fretin.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;[My son] is still young but maybe he will remember it, and he can watch it later,&#8221; Merlier said after win number 75 of his career.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3guWYuBk97HHVPKPihMvvY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kZAAuWxAW3kxEiu5BWRvv8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France: Tim Merlier claims back-to-back victories on stage 8 with furious sprint into Bergerac<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEZWTjykHLMAPBfGicedSZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Flat stage 7 of the Tour de France finishes in a bunch sprint<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s extra motivation to win for them. This one is a special one, they were here today. It not easy to win just on the day they are here, so I&#8217;m really happy with it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f590-8133-11f1-9860-cd39e258688c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/o5Y3eBgwcF2bvRCixsfMN8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tim Merlier celebrates on the podium with his son Jules after winning the 12th stage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f608-8133-11f1-8e69-dbf246ccd83a\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It hadn&#8217;t all been plain sailing during the 179.1km ride, however.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-y7J8WxSBhneNmuq3jkJhh3 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We had radio problems My radio was broken, and I was busy with the radio because the other guys were all coming to me, I was busy with the radio, there was an attack of 27 riders or something, so I didn&#8217;t know,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Then we pass the little climb and then I saw it was only one more [climb] to go, I suffered not so hard like the other days, I wanted to pass the other one, and the ones I passed in a good position, and the last one with good motivation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Jasper Stuyven got a fat tire. I think he was not sure anymore to do the leadout. I said to stay calm, the tire sealed and I think the communication was much better between us today. I helped him to stay calm and he did it, and it was a good day.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mXP7YfiZztgAqSSuLFoxmf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Olav Kooij wins stage 4 in photo finish ahead of Tim Merlier<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NKbE9eqG4JeeVDLKucgND8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Baloise Belgium Tour: Tim Merlier wins stage 2 to claim race lead<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GFGHTdr4TpiqiTopRnxFbf-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sprinters welcome rain and cooler weather as Tour de France green jersey erupts again on stage 11 in Nevers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-6b99817a-812b-11f1-b037-dfd35cd13074\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8GJ2yTs3DbEhrHGKKUK9J-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Riders sprint towards the line on 2026 Tour de France stage 12 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f68a-8133-11f1-9f78-c38a07c36ac7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The sprint was a difficult one also yesterday. Today, I was really focussed on the guys who were in the move yesterday, and that was the reason I was boxed in, so today, I tried to stay in front of them. Today I found some space. I needed to calm down and then launch again. I know it was a kind of finish that suits me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The day delivered a hard-contested sprint, but no change in any of the Tour&#8217;s main classifications. Pedersen, ninth at the line but second at the day&#8217;s intermediate sprint, continues in green with 357 points to Girmay&#8217;s 317 and Philipsen&#8217;s 311. Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) holds yellow and polka dots, while Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) continues in white.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-battle-into-burgundy-town\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Battle into Burgundy town<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f766-8133-11f1-bc1c-e781886e4ff9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Following S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold&#8217;s stage 11 triumph in Nevers on Wednesday, Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne hosted the second half of a sprint double-header. The Tour last visited the Burgundy town seven years ago, when Dylan Groenewegen sprinted to glory ahead of Caleb Ewan and Peter Sagan.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Much like the previous day&#8217;s outing, the 179.1km ride, starting out rom the motor racing circuit south of Nevers, was largely flat, with just a trio of fourth-category hills interrupting the monotony. The last of them, the C\u00f4te de Montangy-les-Buxy (2.5km at 3.9%) lay 20km from the finish line.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The stages opening 20 brought attack after attack from riders including<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Josh Tarling (Netcompany Ineos), Mike Teunissen (XDS-Astana), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor), and Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) off the front as they fought to get in the day&#8217;s break.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f7ca-8133-11f1-98be-0d274f8689f0\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iFxTRTe4yGkg5uQWbkXhvN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Baptiste Veistroffer of Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9 takes a moment to hydrate during the breakaway effort <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f838-8133-11f1-96e7-a9679f5468a0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A move from Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto-Intermarch\u00e9), already part of two breakaways this Tour, kicked off his third day out front. He started off alone, but unlike his 144km solo effort on stage 5, however, as Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), Matt\u00e9o Vercher (TotalEnergies), and Ewen Costiou (Groupama FDJ-United) joined him after the day&#8217;s intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Green jersey Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) grabbed another 20 points there, while the break races away to a two-minute lead as sprint teams Soudal-QuickStep, Alpecin-Premier Tech and NSN controlled the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Veistroffer led the break over the first two hills of the stage to pick up two mountain points, while little else of note happened before the third and final test.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At 62km from the finish, with the peloton under a minute behind and bearing down fast, Veistroffer and Costiou decided it was time to jump away at the front and blow the break apart.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vercher and Caruso were quickly caught by the peloton, while Costiou dropped and was caught with 47km to run, leaving Veistroffer to go it alone once more.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f8a6-8133-11f1-9477-a536c4d22e31\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QSSpaSdrTRwm2EE7KWiDz-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Derek Gee-West of Lidl &#8211; Trek leads the peloton <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f90a-8133-11f1-8451-17fc15ad25bf\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He lasted until 31km from the line, by which point Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) had kicked off the attacking behind. Moves came and went, with his teammates Mattias Skjelmose, Derek Gee-West, Toms Skujin\u0161, and Mads Pedersen also getting involved over the next 15km as they sought to disrupt the inevitable sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Things calmed down once the day&#8217;s final hill, the C\u00f4te de Montagny-les-Buxy, was over and done with, even if a few other riders tried hopeless moves.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The final 10km was far calmer, with XDS-Astana joining NSN, Soudal-QuickStep, and Alpecin-Premiet Tech in controlling the front and setting up the sprint.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Czech champion Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) led the way into the final 2km, while Alpecin-Premier Tech and double stage winner Merlier \u2013 plus lead-out man Jasper Stuyven \u2013 took over heading under the flamme rouge.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4cf3f96e-8133-11f1-8aff-c76fffb17914\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zppqc7ycvVr8QYmaMbUgZk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Fernando Gaviria holds his left arm as he crosses the finish line after the crash with his Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA teammate Stefano Oldani <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4cf3f9dc-8133-11f1-ad98-2b3cf0e4e815\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) would play no part in the dash for the line, both coming down just before the sprint was opened and then holding up much of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Up front, Mathieu van der Poel peeled off the front to launch Philipsen. However, the Belgian wouldn&#8217;t go on to add to his career tally of 10 stage wins. Coming from behind, it was his compatriot who proved the fastest once agin to grab his sixth.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-results\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-wins-sprint-skirmish-on-stage-12-ahead-of-major-pileup\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Js8iKVQzdAvgN9hXKPCYEL-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Breakaway holds off charging bunch on Tour de France stage 9 as former world champion wins in Ussel 2 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Another day of status quo as sprinters enjoy the last flat stage 3 As it happened: Another bunch sprint decides stage 8 of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2047190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2047190","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2047190"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2047190\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2047190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2047190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2047190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}