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Merlier Wins Bordeaux Sprint, Dedicates to Absent Teammate

7/11/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tim Merlier won the 175-kilometre stage seven sprint from Hagetmau to Bordeaux.
Merlier dedicated the victory to teammate Bert van Lerberghe, who abandoned the race earlier.
Merlier credited the win to Soudal Quick-Step team effort after a chaotic sprint.
Temperatures rose to about 38 °C in Bordeaux, prompting organizers to add extra water and ice feeding zones.

History

Historical Context

In 1910, extreme heat of up to 38 °C forced many riders to quit, prompting organizer Henri Desgrange to install the first official water stops, supplying about 1,200 bottles per kilometre with help from the French Red Cross. Over a century later, stage 7’s sprint won by Tim Merlier saw organizers add extra water and ice zones, echoing Desgrange’s safety measures.

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Story summary

Tim Merlier won the 175-kilometre stage seven sprint from Hagetmau to Bordeaux.
Merlier dedicated the victory to teammate Bert van Lerberghe, who abandoned the race earlier.
Merlier credited the win to Soudal Quick-Step team effort after a chaotic sprint.
Temperatures rose to about 38 °C in Bordeaux, prompting organizers to add extra water and ice feeding zones.

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