In another day of warm conditions, the peloton set off for a 170-kilometre stage from Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Laval. Compared to the previous stages, there was significantly less climbing on the menu - offering the sprinters another opportunity.  

No rider showed any real intention to attack during the first half of the stage. The first notable move came only after 100 kilometres, with an attack from Mattéo Vercher and Mathieu Burgaudeau. The French duo from Team TotalEnergies were reeled in with ten kilometres to go.  

In a tense finale, Jonas Vingegaard and Matteo Jorgenson managed to stay out of trouble. Van Aert opted to go for the sprint. The 30-year-old from Team Visma | Lease a Bike started the final kilometre in a strong position and had a strong acceleration left in the legs, but in the end, had to settle for second behind green jersey holder Milan.  

“It was a tough but fair sprint”, Van Aert said afterward. “I felt good again today and decided to go all in for the sprint. The run-in to the final straight was chaotic. There weren’t any well-formed sprint trains, so everyone had to find their own way through. I tried to surprise Milan by going early, but he was simply the fastest today. I’m definitely happy with second place. It was also nice to show myself in a sprint again.”  

Head of Racing Grischa Niermann looked back on a smooth day for the team. “In terms of effort, it wasn’t a particularly demanding stage, but there was still some nervous energy in the bunch. The main thing is always to get through the day unscathed – and thankfully, that was the case again. Wout rode a great sprint at the end, but Milan proved unbeatable today. I’m pleased with how the guys performed.”