Tim Merlier seals back-to back Tour de France stage wins after Slock’s big effort sags late on

Stage eight: Tadej Pogacar untroubled in overall leadMerlier produces superb sprint for second dayTim Merlier sprinted to his second consecutive victory in this year’s Tour de France, on stage eight, from Périgueux to Bergerac. But it was cruel luck for Liam Slock, of the Lotto Intermarché team, whose 175km effort at the front ended 1,300 metres from the finish line.On a perfect stage for lovers of pale-stoned chateaux and crystalline swimming pools, the Tour leader, Tadej Pogacar, rode untroubled into Bergerac pondering the possibilities of adding to his growing tally of victories. The Slovenian already appears to have transcended a rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard and with Monday a rest day, will now be planning the strategy to ensure teammate Isaac del Toro leapfrogs the Dane into second place. Continue reading...