Belgian cyclist Tim Merlier secured the seventh stage of the 113th Tour de France with a dominant sprint finish in Bordeaux, marking his second stage win of the race.The 175km route from Hagetmau to Bordeaux saw temperatures reach 38C, creating challenging conditions.

Merlier outmaneuvered Norwegian Soren Waerenskjold and Eritrean Biniam Girmay to claim victory, while reigning champion Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey.The stage, known for its sprint finishes, highlighted Merlier's tactical prowess as he capitalized on a perfectly timed sprint.French rider Baptiste Veistroffer attempted a breakaway but was reeled in by sprint teams, underscoring the dominance of the peloton.

The stage's significance lies in its historical context, with Bordeaux being a iconic finish for sprinters since the Tour's inception in 1903.

Merlier's win adds to his growing reputation as a top-tier sprinter, with the race continuing to showcase both individual brilliance and team strategy.