Belgian rider Tim Merlier wins eighth stage of Tour de France in bunch sprint

Belgian cyclist Tim Merlier won the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Saturday with a dominant bunch sprint finish in the Dordogne region, claiming his second consecutive stage victory at the race. Merlier, riding in his third Tour de France appearance, secured his fifth career stage win at the event, overtaking Ethiopian Biniam Girmay (second) and Dutchman Olav Kooij (third) despite being caught out of position in the final hundreds of metres. The victory also brought Merlier to within 15 points of Dane Mads Pedersen in the green jersey sprinters' competition.