Tim Merlier of Soudal-Quick Step won the seventh stage of the Tour de France in a classic sprinter's finish on the banks of the Garonne in Bordeaux.
The stage saw a relatively calm day after the Pyrenees, as the peloton processed Tadej Pogacar's dominant performance in Thursday's mountain stage to Gavarnie-Gèdre.
>>> Urban Automotive Builds a Carbon-Fiber Defender Pickup
Pogacar's attack over the Col du Tourmalet gave him a significant lead over Jonas Vingegaard, the defending champion and Giro d'Italia winner.
Many now believe the overall victory is all but assured unless Vingegaard crashes or falls ill.
With only six of 21 stages completed, attention has shifted to the battle for second and third place.
Geraint Thomas, now director of racing at Netcompany Ineos, called Pogacar's performance "super-impressive."
He noted that Pogacar gained 30 seconds on Vingegaard at the top of Tourmalet, and then extended his lead on the descent and valley.
Thomas questioned whether Vingegaard's participation in the Giro before the Tour was the best preparation.
He also suggested that riders like Remco Evenepoel, Isaac del Toro, and Paul Seixas could challenge for podium positions.
>>> Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner Drops Reelection Bid After Power Outage Controversy
"Getting Del Toro into second place will be one of UAE's big goals," Thomas said.
Tensions flared within Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after Evenepoel criticized teammate Florian Lipowitz for not providing a lead-out.
Team manager Ralph Denk downplayed the incident, citing a language barrier and saying the pair later laughed together at dinner.
Thomas praised Evenepoel's character, saying it's good for the sport to have riders who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Pogacar's biggest Grand Tour winning margin was nearly 10 minutes at the 2024 Giro, and over six minutes at the 2024 Tour.
He acknowledged improvements in his physical capabilities, mentality, and nutrition organization since his 2022 collapse on the Col du Granon.
Movistar sports director Matt White said Pogacar is so relaxed and confident that it's "crazy," and that his level is unprecedented.
>>> EU Imposes Tariffs of Up to 45.3% on Budget Chinese Tires
"If he stays healthy, I think it's over," White added.
