Belgian rider Tim Merlier wins Tour de France Stage 7; Pogačar retains lead

Belgian rider Tim Merlier celebrated his fourth Tour de France stage win after a hard-fought sprint finish on Friday. He credited his Soudal Quick-Step team for positioning him perfectly for the attack.

Race favorite Tadej Pogačar, along with rival Jonas Vingegaard, finished safely in the main pack. Pogačar extended his overall lead to 2 minutes, 42 seconds over Vingegaard. He had reclaimed the yellow jersey on Thursday after a strong performance in the Pyrenees mountains. The previous leader, Torstein Traeen, withdrew from the race due to multiple rib fractures and concussion sustained in a crash.

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I'm delighted. When I launched my sprint I didn't know how far it was. But I made it, thanks to the team, it was great work from them. After all the hard work two days ago and today it feels good to know I could repay the guys.

The 175-kilometer stage from Hagetmau to Bordeaux took place under sweltering conditions, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. A two-man breakaway was caught by the chasing pack with 18 kilometers remaining, setting the stage for a sprinters' showdown. Despite being boxed in with 600 meters to go, Merlier fought back to claim victory, with Norwegian Søren Wærenskjold and Eritrean Biniam Girmay rounding out the top three.

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With 600 metres to go I got boxed in. But I told myself I would fight until the finish.