Tim Merlier powers to victory in a bunch sprint finish on stage seven of the Tour de France as Tadej Pogacar retains the overall lead.

Tim Merlier powered to victory in a bunch sprint finish on stage seven of the Tour de France as Tadej Pogacar retained the overall lead. Norway's Soren Waerenskjold crossed the line in second with Eritrea's Biniam Girmay in third at the end of the flat 175.1km route from Hagetmau to Bordeaux. Belgium's Merlier judged his effort to perfection in the final 100 metres, reeling in compatriot Jasper Philipsen and then simply having too much pace for his rivals. "It was a mess to be in position, but I made it thanks to the team," Merlier said. "We were the only team with Alpecin who were riding to take the breakaway back, so I'm happy it's not another team who win. It's only my third Tour de France. In every participation, I take a win, it makes me proud." Merlier's three previous stage wins in cycling's greatest race arrived in 2021 and 2025. In both years, Slovenia's Pogacar ended winning the general classification and again he remains the man to beat this time around. Having delivered a masterclass on the Col du Tourmalet on Thursday, there was very little to bother Pogacar on Friday as he held on to his advantage of two minutes and 38 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard.