Just like yesterday, a bunch sprint was expected. After the start at the Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours and the intermediate sprint that followed shortly after, four riders went clear in central France. Due to the work of the sprinters’ teams at the front of the peloton, the quartet was never given a realistic chance of fighting for the win. With around thirty kilometers to go, the breakaway riders were caught, opening up opportunities for new attacks.

Several attempts followed, but eventually all eyes in Chalon-sur-Saône, where Dylan Groenewegen won for the team in 2019, turned back to the fast men. The final opportunity for the sprinters this week was ultimately claimed by Merlier, who secured his third stage victory of this Tour. Behind the Belgian, several sprinters crashed in the hectic finale. The riders of Leading Race Coach Marc Reef stayed out of trouble and all eight crossed the finish line safely.

“We managed to avoid any trouble. There was still a crash, but fortunately we were behind it. Jonas finished safely, and that was the most important thing today”, Reef says. “There was some wind forecast after the final climb. At the same time, there were many attacks in the finale. Per was very alert a few times and moved up well, while we kept Jonas in a good position behind him.”

Reef continues: “In the end, the wind was not as strong as expected, and we moved towards the back of the peloton. There, we took up position like we normally do during sprint stages. Once again, it was a good day for our team.” Tomorrow, the riders face the first-category climb Ballon d’Alsace in the finale, after which the finish in Belfort will be reached on a downhill stretch.