Milan Wins Sprint, First Italian Stage Since 2019

Jonathan Milan, aged 24, won his first Tour de France stage with a sprint finish in Laval, overcoming the loss of his lead-out team and capitalizing on a late mishap for rival Tim Merlier. Milan's victory, which also extends his lead in the green jersey points competition, is the first stage win for Italy at the Tour since 2019. Wout van Aert and Kaden Groves finished just behind Milan. Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey, holding a 54-second lead over Remco Evenepoel after a flat stage that saw little change for general classification contenders. The stage included a breakaway by Mattéo Vercher and Mathieu Burgaudeau, who were caught before the finish. Riders now anticipate another sprint stage before the Tour heads into the mountains.