{"id":252465,"date":"2026-07-11T12:25:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T12:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/11\/tour-de-france-stage-8-live-merlier-kooij-and-philipsen-primed-for-sprinters-rematch-in-bergerac\/"},"modified":"2026-07-11T12:25:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T12:25:26","slug":"tour-de-france-stage-8-live-merlier-kooij-and-philipsen-primed-for-sprinters-rematch-in-bergerac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/11\/tour-de-france-stage-8-live-merlier-kooij-and-philipsen-primed-for-sprinters-rematch-in-bergerac\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France stage 8 LIVE \u2013 Merlier, Kooij and Philipsen primed for sprinters&#8217; rematch in Bergerac"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T12:25:26+00:00\">2026-07-11T12:25:26.533Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-99111a5c-7d23-11f1-a1fa-8f50d6169b6b\">Here\u2019s Remco Evenepoel in the peloton. It might be a quiet day for him in the saddle, but behind the scenes the story of the tension between himself and teammate Florian Lipowitz won\u2019t go away.<\/p>\n<p>Efforts from the Red Bull team to play down the story and demonstrate the pair are getting along have been far from convincing, and we\u2019ll be keeping an eagle eye on how the two ride together for the remainder of this race.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/remco-evenepoel-and-florian-lipowitz-are-putting-on-a-happy-face-at-the-tour-de-france-but-im-not-really-buying-it-is-anyone\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/remco-evenepoel-and-florian-lipowitz-are-putting-on-a-happy-face-at-the-tour-de-france-but-im-not-really-buying-it-is-anyone\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/remco-evenepoel-and-florian-lipowitz-are-putting-on-a-happy-face-at-the-tour-de-france-but-im-not-really-buying-it-is-anyone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz are putting on a happy face at the Tour de France, but I&#8217;m not really buying it \u2013 is anyone?<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-99111ac0-7d23-11f1-8447-553df5450be7\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C76mCVS4cWG7JdKDyt5V7Q-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C76mCVS4cWG7JdKDyt5V7Q-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C76mCVS4cWG7JdKDyt5V7Q-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C76mCVS4cWG7JdKDyt5V7Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C76mCVS4cWG7JdKDyt5V7Q-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/C76mCVS4cWG7JdKDyt5V7Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T12:15:06+00:00\">2026-07-11T12:15:06.216Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-150km-to-go\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-276a02a2-7d22-11f1-9118-7f7f2432fcef\">1:37 is the lead for the three breakaway riders &#8211; it appears they\u2019re on a doomed errand once again.<\/p>\n<p>The inevitably of the break being caught hasn\u2019t stopped Baptiste Veistroffer from persisting in previous stages, and he\u2019s developing a bit of a cult status as a result. He\u2019s not in the break today, but his Lotto teammate Liam Slock is, confirming that team as the race\u2019s chief animators so far.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-276a02a2-7d22-11f1-9118-7f7f2432fcef-2\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/baptiste-veistroffer-has-become-the-breakaway-hero-this-tour-de-france-needs\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/baptiste-veistroffer-has-become-the-breakaway-hero-this-tour-de-france-needs\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/baptiste-veistroffer-has-become-the-breakaway-hero-this-tour-de-france-needs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Baptiste Veistroffer has become the breakaway hero this Tour de France needs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T12:06:42+00:00\">2026-07-11T12:06:42.953Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fb4dd05a-7d20-11f1-b3b1-0f5574124939\">The crowds in P\u00e9rigueux flocked to the roadside to see the Tour of earlier today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-fb4dd0d2-7d20-11f1-bef5-992e00fce172\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg.jpg\" alt=\"PERIGUEUX, FRANCE - JULY 11: A general view of the peloton passing through a Perigueux while fans cheers prior to the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 8 a 180.4km stage from Perigueux to Bergerac \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 11, 2026 in Perigueux, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fYYVBcuKYaxUXM3sGmnZRg.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:59:52+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:59:52.378Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-068ec934-7d20-11f1-8aa1-61dbfced0c4b\">As was the case yesterday, Soudal-QuickStep are working with Alpecin-Premier Tech at the front of the peloton to control the break. They&#8217;re riding a steady tempo, but keeping the break at a very stingy 1:15. Just like yesterday, they aren&#8217;t giving the break a sniff.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-068ec9ac-7d20-11f1-b1d6-b58a2b16b105\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cOK guys. We won a stage yesterday. Use this victory to be a bit more relaxed. But we put the same effort in. Grinta, same team sprint and we go again today!\u201d<\/p><figcaption><cite>Soudal-QuickStep DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:53:49+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:53:49.661Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e5e2e24-7d1f-11f1-9f86-c3dada21ed84\">The scene from the start in P\u00e9rigueux, a picturesque spot on the banks of the river Isle. There might not be much action in terms of GC today, but there&#8217;s plenty of beautiful scenery for the local tourist boards to show off.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-2e5e2e92-7d1f-11f1-a293-91e7af767e2d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj.jpg\" alt=\"PERIGUEUX, FRANCE - JULY 11: A general view of the peloton passing through a Perigueux while fans cheers prior to the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 8 a 180.4km stage from Perigueux to Bergerac \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 11, 2026 in Perigueux, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8aHaPNLeiUiF7pssTEfZj.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:47:37+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:47:37.070Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-170km-to-go\"><span>170KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-506d3970-7d1e-11f1-b62a-d97de9432140\">The lead of Slock, Guernalec and Otruba has grown to 1:50, and been pegged there as the sprinters&#8217; team take control of the peloton and start riding tempo. That&#8217;s the holding pattern of the day established.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-506d3a6a-7d1e-11f1-8361-e3ea5e64da4d\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF.jpg\" alt=\"BERGERAC, FRANCE - JULY 11: Jakub Otruba of Czech Republic and Team Caja Rural - Seguros RGA competes in the breakaway during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 8 a 180.4km stage from Perigueux to Bergerac \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 11, 2026 in Bergerac, France. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K7D83Ch93pSDC6X3L2CkVF.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:39:31+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:39:31.626Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2f965480-7d1d-11f1-a19d-ad2f75be8c2f\">The peloton has now bunched up and slowed down, with Liam Slock having got up the road, and been joined by Thibault Guernalec and Jakub Otruba set to join him. Those three riders will be the break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:35:12+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:35:12.674Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-955b2490-7d1c-11f1-891a-11905948d7d6\">Kasper Asgreen is among the riders who have tried to get clear, and has been spotted and identified as dressed for a breakaway attempt by NSN, who are hoping to keep this stage controlled for their sprinter Biniam Girmay.<\/p>\n<p>As a rider with a huge engine who has defied likely bunch sprints in the past, he&#8217;s exactly the kind of rider they won;t want to let up the road, as reflected by how he\u2019s been marked out of the break so far.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-955b24fe-7d1c-11f1-9d48-3372e6d1bc7e\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>\u201cI saw Asgreen, and he has shoe covers, aero helmet. I think he is ready.\u201d\n<\/p><figcaption><cite>NSN DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:30:54+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:30:54.672Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-official-start\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fb7e441a-7d1b-11f1-b755-298b1c8260d8\">And they&#8217;re off! Prudhomme waves the flag, and a flurry of attacks come of from the peloton, none of which have stuck yet. This has already been more of a battle than yesterday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:27:05+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:27:05.863Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7319dd00-7d1b-11f1-bff9-cdc5753053a3\">Although it\u2019s another flat stage tailor made for sprinters, the terrain is a little bumpier than yesterday, and could therefore be a little more complicated than yesterday\u2019s. Only two riders went up the road then &#8211; according to this Lotto DS, more might have a go today.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-7319dd64-7d1b-11f1-acf7-2bf053fecf07\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>&#8220;Stay in the front a bit for the start. There might be a little more action than the previous days.&#8221;<\/p><figcaption><cite>Lotto Intermarch\u00e9 DS<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:23:06+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:23:06.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e452be84-7d1a-11f1-9128-0917d3dcf317\">Here\u2019s Paul Seixas before the start earlier. Interestingly, he\u2019s wearing a mask &#8211; whether or not that\u2019s precautionary, or if he\u2019s carrying an illness, is unclear. In any case, thankfully for him today should essentially be a day off for the GC riders, on a parcours that is flat and which will be about avoiding incident or mishap rather than a test of legs.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-Dapm4k4s1hR\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:17:14+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:17:14.793Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-12c50d72-7d1a-11f1-8c1c-fd52f3037d35\">The riders have heard the countdown for the unofficial start, and are riding though the streets of P\u00e9rigueux.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T11:05:34+00:00\">2026-07-11T11:05:34.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7176e478-7d18-11f1-9393-959cbbdd2fc8\">The sprinters at the Tour could do well to listen to the observations of Caleb Ewan. The Australian was one of the most prolific of his generation at this race, and has been analysing this year\u2019s sprints from his role of commentary box for SBS.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-always-love-watching-the-sprints-caleb-ewan-analyses-the-tour-de-france-sprint-in-bordeaux\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-always-love-watching-the-sprints-caleb-ewan-analyses-the-tour-de-france-sprint-in-bordeaux\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-always-love-watching-the-sprints-caleb-ewan-analyses-the-tour-de-france-sprint-in-bordeaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8216;I always love watching the sprints&#8217; &#8211; Caleb Ewan analyses the Tour de France sprint in Bordeaux<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T10:53:22+00:00\">2026-07-11T10:53:22.207Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bce5ba8a-7d16-11f1-9362-3158c6dff34a\">S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold at the start of the day, referencing the Norwegian football team\u2019s drum and Viking row routine from the football World Cup, ahead of their match against England tonight.<\/p>\n<p>W\u00e6renskjold was second in the sprint yesterday, and the last time England faced an opponent at the World Cup (Mexico), a rider from that nation won at the Tour &#8211; Issac del Toro. Is that a good omen for the Norwegian?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-bce5bae4-7d16-11f1-bc85-5be4cc31ed22\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna.jpg\" alt=\"PERIGUEUX, FRANCE - JULY 11: Soren Waerenskjold of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility wearing the Norway soccer jersey prior to the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 8 a 180.4km stage from Perigueux to Bergerac \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 11, 2026 in Perigueux, France. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QjBNZpc2sPA7pLEZXvUGna.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T10:40:32+00:00\">2026-07-11T10:40:32.540Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f19d7940-7d14-11f1-af75-9b6d35ead30e\">If you&#8217;re keen on your tech and looking for something to read before the stage starts, Josh Croxton has rounded up all of his finds that didn&#8217;t make it into our main galleries.<\/p>\n<p>From the handy to the random, there&#8217;s all sorts in here. Definitely worth a look.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/tech-randoms-from-the-tour-de-france-techy-silly-and-curious-finds-from-the-biggest-race-in-the-world\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/tech-randoms-from-the-tour-de-france-techy-silly-and-curious-finds-from-the-biggest-race-in-the-world\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-culture\/tech-randoms-from-the-tour-de-france-techy-silly-and-curious-finds-from-the-biggest-race-in-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Tech randoms from the Tour de France \u2013 Techy, silly and curious finds from the biggest race in the world<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-f19d799a-7d14-11f1-948f-858bcd758140\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84.png\" alt=\"Seat post and saddle looking like an emu\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-1200-80.png 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-1024-80.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-970-80.png 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-650-80.png 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-480-80.png 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84-320-80.png 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vSXNqkgXtq3hG45YK8Kj84.png\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sometimes the most interesting thing about a bike is the saddle&#8217;s resemblance to an emu <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T10:20:52+00:00\">2026-07-11T10:20:52.490Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3230e9ae-7d12-11f1-97e1-3f11b7af4e90\">Today&#8217;s stage will be underway in just over an hour.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a reminder of how the sprinters fared yesterday:<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-banishes-bunch-in-bordeaux-for-stage-7-sprint-victory\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-banishes-bunch-in-bordeaux-for-stage-7-sprint-victory\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-banishes-bunch-in-bordeaux-for-stage-7-sprint-victory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Tour de France: Tim Merlier banishes bunch in Bordeaux for stage 7 sprint victory<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-3230ea08-7d12-11f1-827f-8bf96a2fe261\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM.jpg\" alt=\"BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JULY 10: Tim Merlier of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step celebrates at podium as stage winner during the 113th Tour de France 2026, Stage 7 a 175.1km stage from Hagetmau to Bordeaux \/ #UCIWT \/ on July 10, 2026 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XAzxCay9pgSoDtJjqE64DM.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T10:08:01+00:00\">2026-07-11T10:08:01.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-66a2b052-7d10-11f1-ba9d-2740305fa0dc\">Obviously today is a sprint day, but our Deputy Editor Patrick Fletcher has been reflecting on the GC, the decisive day that was stage 6, and if the course designers could have avoided a stage that opened up such big time gaps so early on&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/the-tour-de-france-organisers-wanted-suspense-to-the-end-but-the-tourmalet-stage-design-backfired-dramatically-and-they-should-have-seen-it-coming\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/the-tour-de-france-organisers-wanted-suspense-to-the-end-but-the-tourmalet-stage-design-backfired-dramatically-and-they-should-have-seen-it-coming\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/the-tour-de-france-organisers-wanted-suspense-to-the-end-but-the-tourmalet-stage-design-backfired-dramatically-and-they-should-have-seen-it-coming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>The Tour de France organisers wanted &#8216;suspense to the end&#8217; but the Tourmalet stage design backfired dramatically \u2013 and they should have seen it coming<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-66a2b0fc-7d10-11f1-8e51-1f90cbdc57f2\">\n<blockquote class=\"vanilla-quoteblock\">\n<p>In pitching this Tour de France, &#8220;suspense until the end&#8221; was a repeated refrain from the race director, Christian Prudhomme, who insisted: &#8220;Until the last mountain stage, anything is possible.&#8221;<br \/>\nOne week in, we have a gap of nearly three minutes between first and second place, and a yellow jersey that will remain on the shoulders of Tadej Poga\u010dar for the next two weeks unless something utterly extraordinary happens.<\/p><figcaption><cite>Patrick Fletcher<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-66a2b34a-7d10-11f1-8e11-d762ac5977a5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:2921px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.69%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe.jpg\" alt=\"Tadej Poga&amp;amp;#269;ar descends a mountain during the Tour de France\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-1200-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rxVp4RQLFudUum3wynmQHe.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-11T09:59:43+00:00\">2026-07-11T09:59:43.432Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-3dc8a1d8-7d0f-11f1-9ed3-a7b040dd4695\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"stage-8-preview-2\">Stage 8 preview<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc8a23c-7d0f-11f1-8fe6-33195f7ce399\">Here&#8217;s a closer look at what is in store today.<\/p>\n<p>Sprint stages seem to be like buses at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, as after having to wait until stage 5 for the first opportunity, the fast men are getting three chances in quick succession, with stage 8&#8217;s flat run to Bergerac coming hot off the heels of a sprint battle in Bordeaux.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-3dc8a23c-7d0f-11f1-8fe6-33195f7ce399-2\">No one sprinter has asserted dominance in this Tour yet, with <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-olav-kooij-shines-in-debut-with-victory-on-stage-5-in-pau\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-olav-kooij-shines-in-debut-with-victory-on-stage-5-in-pau\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-olav-kooij-shines-in-debut-with-victory-on-stage-5-in-pau\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Olav Kooij (Decathlon CMA CGM) winning the first test in Pau<\/a>, and then <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-banishes-bunch-in-bordeaux-for-stage-7-sprint-victory\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-banishes-bunch-in-bordeaux-for-stage-7-sprint-victory\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-tim-merlier-banishes-bunch-in-bordeaux-for-stage-7-sprint-victory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) romping to victory on stage 7<\/a>. He&#8217;ll be tantalised at the chance to make it two in a row, but it&#8217;s also possible we see a third different winner from a super open sprint field.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Full preview: <\/strong><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-8-preview\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-8-preview\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-8-preview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Tour de France stage 8 preview \u2013 A rematch for the sprinters in Bergerac as Merlier goes for two in a row<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-3dc8a2a0-7d0f-11f1-b97c-7de8daefa3d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1680px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:54.46%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4.jpg\" alt=\"Route information for the 2026 Tour de France\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-1200-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WEKXWJPuQ9ywCdZpzdFit4.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: ASO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<a id=\"elk-af1d89a8-7d0e-11f1-bcea-af9699a9f5c5\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"welcome-to-today-s-stage-2\">Welcome to today&#8217;s stage!<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-d800f54c-7d0b-11f1-8bc1-3fefa22b565a\">Hello and welcome to <em>Cyclingnews&#8217; <\/em>live coverage of stage 8 of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tour-de-france\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tour-de-france\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/tour-de-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tour de France<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re expecting another sprint finish today, with the parcours almost totally pan-flat and a very sprint-friendly finale in Bergerac. That means we&#8217;re getting two sprint days in a row after yesterday&#8217;s gallop into Bordeaux.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-d800f54c-7d0b-11f1-8bc1-3fefa22b565a-2\">The main question we&#8217;re asking is less about the sprint though, and more about the breakaway. Let&#8217;s hope there&#8217;s a real break, and not just a lone rider as we saw on stage 5&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/tour-de-france-2026-stage-8-live\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2026-07-11T12:25:26.533Z Here\u2019s Remco Evenepoel in the peloton. It might be a quiet day for him in the saddle, but behind the scenes the story of the tension between himself and teammate Florian Lipowitz won\u2019t go away. Efforts from the Red Bull team to play down the story and demonstrate the pair are getting along have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":252466,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-252465","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/252466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}