Belgian rider Tim Merlier wins eighth stage of Tour de France in bunch sprint
- Belgian Tim Merlier dominated a bunch sprint finish for the second day running to claim victory in the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Saturday.
- Merlier seemed out of contention when he was caught out of position in the last few hundred metres but launched a long-range charge to reel in all of his rivals and beat Ethiopian Biniam Girmay into second with Dutchman Olav Kooij third.
- It was Merlier's fifth stage victory in his third Tour appearance and also brought him to within 15 points of Dane Mads Pedersen in the sprinters' green jersey competition.
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- Belgian Tim Merlier dominated a bunch sprint finish for the second day running to claim victory in the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Saturday.
- Merlier seemed out of contention when he was caught out of position in the last few hundred metres but launched a long-range charge to reel in all of his rivals and beat Ethiopian Biniam Girmay into second with Dutchman Olav Kooij third.
- It was Merlier's fifth stage victory in his third Tour appearance and also brought him to within 15 points of Dane Mads Pedersen in the sprinters' green jersey competition.
Sources: France 24