New Delhi, July 11 -- Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier claimed a thrilling victory in stage 8 of the Tour de France on Saturday (July 11), securing back-to-back stage wins in a perfectly timed dash to the line. Defending champion Tadej Pogacar safely finished in the main group and kept a firm grip on the yellow jersey as the race headed deeper into France.

Stage 8 covered 180 kilometers from Perigueux to the southeastern town of Bergerac under intense heatwave conditions. The flat profile set the scene for a classic bunch sprint, and the peloton stayed largely together until the final kilometers. Riders battled not only each other but also the sweltering temperatures that made the day one of the toughest so far.

Four-time Tour winner Tadej ...