​Tim Merlier sprinted to Vitoria-style victory on stage seven of the Tour de France in Bordeaux, while Tadej Pogacar remained safely in the yellow jersey. Soudal-QuickStep’s Merlier had slipped several positions as the final approach began, but he timed his move to perfection, past Jasper Philipsen to claim his fourth career Tour stage win in a tense, scrappy finish. Philipsen, who had won the last Tour visit to Bordeaux in 2023, created early space after his lead-out from Mathieu van der Poel, but he fizzled in the final sprint, finishing fifth after a rapid start that left him drained in the closing metres. Soren Waerenskjold took second place, narrowly ahead of Biniam Girmay.
“It was chaotic to find a clear position,” Merlier said, reflecting on the crowded final meters. “I made it possible thanks to the team—great work from all of them. For a long time I could follow Jasper, then I lost him and I was boxed in. I needed to get back to Jasper, gain a bit more space and let my legs breathe. In the last 600 meters we were again boxed in, so I decided I’d fight to the finish and I’m happy I came out on top.” He added, “I feel really well. It’s only my third Tour de France, and in every participation I’ve managed to win something, so I’m proud.”
The stage was a flat 175-kilometer ride from Hagetmau, marking only the second sprint opportunity of the Tour so far, and offering respite after an early encounter with the Pyrenees. All eyes were fixed on a long, straight run into Bordeaux, where the sprint would determine stage honours rather than the overall standings. There was no shift in the general classification; Pogacar could enjoy a more relaxed day after his exploits on the Tourmalet, underscoring his status as the favourite for a potential fifth Tour de France crown. Pogacar continues to lead the race by two minutes and 42 seconds ahead of rival Jonas Vingegaard, with UAE Team Emirates teammate Isaac del Toro in third place, three minutes and 27 seconds behind, just ahead of Remco Evenepoel by three seconds. Merlier’s victory did not alter the top of the GC, but it reinforced his status as a dangerous sprinter on a day that rewarded speed and tactical nous on a chaotic finish.