Tim Merlier knew it would be an extremely tough day, and he tried with all his strength to resist and save himself, but he was forced to surrender. The Belgian, winner of three stages, lost the group's wheel on the first climb of the day, when there were still more than 150 km to go to the finish. He first pedaled alongside Norwegian Waerenskjold, then his teammate Eenkhorn waited for him, but in the end came the moment of resignation.

Merlier raised the white flag – victim not only of the course, but also of the heat and the incredible pace at which the last stages have been contested – and this evening he heads home, leaving the Tour nonetheless with a prestigious haul that speaks of three stage victories.