Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier wins stage seven of the Tour de France in a bunch-sprint finish in Bordeaux. Multiple outlets report that the stage ends with riders contesting the line in a fast, tightly packed sprint, described as “scrappy” by some. Merlier, riding for Soudal-QuickStep, accelerates late and passes rivals including Jasper Philipsen, taking his fourth career Tour stage win. Reports note that Merlier is not positioned at the front during the final approach and then moves up at the right moment before the sprint for the line.
Tadej Pogačar retains the overall race lead and the yellow jersey. He finishes safely in the main pack, with no reported changes to the top positions in the general classification. Jonas Vingegaard is also mentioned as finishing among the main group, alongside Pogačar, suggesting that key contenders do not lose time on the day. With stage seven completed, Pogačar continues to lead the Tour going into the next stage.
