Today the Belgian Tim Merlier once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the best sprinters in professional cycling: he secured his second consecutive victory at this Tour de France thanks to a thrilling finale in Bergerac. With a textbook sprint, Merlier managed to climb from seventh position to win decisively, treating fans to an exciting performance.

He described it as a "typical Merlier sprint", emphasizing the determination that drove him not to give up even after a moment of uncertainty. "After the last corner, I thought it was over. I imagined at best a podium finish, but I arrived with such speed that I managed to win anyway," said the Flemish rider from Soudal-Quick Step. Despite the difficulties, he found the strength to accelerate, closing with a speed that left his rivals behind: a top speed of 72 kilometers per hour. And for his performance, he gave himself a score of... 10.5 out of 10: "I kept believing and never gave up."

Merlier attributed part of his success to his team's work, particularly his last domestique, Jasper Stuyven: "He did an absolutely outstanding job. It seemed like he was playing PlayStation; I just had to follow him. Everything went smoothly," Merlier commented, highlighting the importance of team strategy in high-level racing. This is his fifth stage win at the Tour: 1 in 2021, 2 in 2025, and 2 in 2026. With today's victory in Bergerac, Merlier not only celebrates personal success but acknowledges his team's contribution: "My Tour is still a success. And I think the team's is too," he said, emphasizing the cohesion and unity necessary to achieve such ambitious goals.