​From Hagetmau to Bordeaux, Stage 7 delivered exactly what the peloton needed after the Pyrenees blowout yesterday. The serene, flat terrain and surrounding forests provided a much-needed respite, letting riders recharge as the sprint action continued to build. Even Tour leader Tadej Pogacar was quoted as saying the riders deserved a lazy day, a sentiment echoed by many as they prepared for another high-intensity stretch.
The stage opened with a familiar early move as Baptiste Veistroffer of Lotto Intermarché again surged ahead, accompanied by a couple of challengers who attempted to bridge across. The sprinters’ teams were eager to demonstrate their form and the full depth of their preparations for the Tour, so the breakaway was kept in check, never allowing more than about two minutes of advantage.
A few years have passed since Bordeaux last hosted the Tour finish, when Jasper Philipsen captivated the breakaway fans with his dominant performance and a heady aura. Since then, the field has evolved, showing a level of depth rarely seen in recent years. In the heart of the bunch, Olav Kooij, the stage winner earlier in the week, rode with his Decathlon CMA CGN squad, while the sprint teams hoped to set up a late-race attack. They were joined by the fast-man Biniam Girmay and his NSN team, both sides attempting to carve out a clean lead-out train that could rival Soudal Quick-Step and Alpecin-Premier Tech, who were still sharpening their tactics.
With less than 20 kilometers to go, the final two breakaway riders were reeled in, and the sprint commenced in earnest. Mathieu van der Pol launched the attack, handing the lead to his teammate Jasper Philipsen as they crossed the final kilometer markers. Philipsen moved to the front with 500 meters remaining but found himself isolated, trying to hold the line alone.
As the finish line loomed, Girmay and Soren Waerenskjold of Uno-X Mobility began to reel Philipsen in from behind. Then, out of the blue, a blistering attack erupted from the left side of the pack: Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step surged past the others and crossed the line first, claiming a convincing Stage 7 victory. The claim that Merlier is among the fastest riders at this level gained further validation with this dominant performance, achieved without a supporting leadout.
Questions will linger about why Merlier hadn’t been given a leadout more often or earlier, but today’s result underscored his raw speed and tactical sense. Merlier’s win adds another chapter to a season where his blistering sprinting has become a defining feature, even as debates continue about the composition of sprint trains and the strategies employed by the various teams.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Merlier and his teammates are likely to attempt another fast finish, trying to replicate the success but aware that every stage brings new variables and new challengers. The Tour de France remains wide open, with sprint teams keen to demonstrate their readiness for the high-stakes finales.
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