Bordeaux (AFP) – Tim Merlier admitted that he had been "scared" that he might not win a Tour de France stage this year before he triumphed in Bordeaux on Friday.
Issued on: 10/07/2026 - 18:34
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Merlier, 33, is widely regarded as the fastest sprinter in the race but he finished third on Wednesday's fifth stage won by Belgium compatriot Olav Kooij.With few sprint finish opportunities on the Tour this year, the pressure was on Merlier to deliver -- as he had done in his two previous Tour appearances.But he did not disappoint and made a brushing gesture with his hands on his shoulders as he crossed the line to show that he could handle the pressure."After the third place on the first sprint stage, you know there are only four or five opportunities more," said Merlier, who has now won four Tour stages."Once a rider wins (a stage at) the Tour, normally he takes a second one also."So, yeah, you start to be scared, because there are not a lot of opportunities."But (I'm) really happy I can take a win again over here in my third participation."In every Tour I was on the start line I won one stage, which makes you proud. "That's what you dream of if you are a little child."'Bordeaux is a sprint city'His team-mate and lead-out rider Jasper Stuyven said that the Soudal-Quick Step team's control of the run-in to the 175km stage from Hagetmau was key to the former European champion's victory, despite him twice becoming boxed-in.
