Tim Merlier Wins Second Consecutive Stage at Tour de France

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier secured his second consecutive victory at the 2026 Tour de France by winning the eighth stage on Saturday. The 180.4-kilometer stage from Perigueux to Bergerac concluded with Merlier launching a powerful sprint about 400 meters from the finish line, crossing first in 3 hours, 52 minutes, and 50 seconds. Riding for the Soudal Quick-Step team, this marked Merlier’s fourth career stage win in the Tour.

Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay finished second, followed by Olav Kooij in third place. Jasper Philipsen, who lost the wheel of teammate Mathieu van der Poel during the lead-out, settled for fourth, while Czech rider Pavel Bittner took fifth.

Slovenian Tadej Pogačar retained the yellow jersey as overall leader after eight stages, holding a total time of 24 hours, 56 minutes, and 17 seconds. Jonas Vingegaard is second overall, 2 minutes and 42 seconds behind, with Isaac del Toro third at 3 minutes and 27 seconds back. Remco Evenepoel and Juan Ayuso occupy fourth and fifth places respectively.

The ninth stage is scheduled for Sunday, covering 185.5 kilometers from Mâcon to Oisly in central France. It features four categorized climbs, including one Category 2, two Category 3, and one Category 4 ascent. This stage offers opportunistic riders a chance to break away before the upcoming rest day.