Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
Jonathan Milan has won stage eight of the Tour de France in a mass bunch sprint ahead of Wout van Aert and Kaden Groves.
Queensland sprinter Groves came his closest yet to winning a stage at the Tour de France but ran out of steam as he had to settle for third place in Laval.
On a day for pure sprinters and with no change at the top of the overall rankings, Lidl-Trek’s Milan was the first Italian to win a stage on the Tour since Vincenzo Nibali in the Alps in 2019.
Milan, 24, took over the top of the sprint points rankings and had been wearing the green tunic in place of Tadej Pogacar, who had earned the sprint and the overall leader’s yellow jersey by winning stage seven.

“It means a lot for me and also my country,” Milan said.

France: CYCLING TOUR DE FRANCE 2025 STAGE 8

In the eighth stage of the 2025 Tour de France, Italian cyclist Jonathan Milan and Belgian rider Wout van Aert raced head-to-head in a thrilling sprint to the finish line. Source: SIPA USA / Jasper Jacobs

“I was placed in a perfect position to take this victory.

“And I’ll try and win again tomorrow,” he said of Sunday’s flat stage also billed as one for the sprinters.
Pogacar retained the overall lead with Remco Evenepoel and Kevin Vauquelin rounding out the top three, with no change in the top 10 as the peloton kept its powder dry.
“It’s nice to have a day like this,” said 2020, 2021 and 2024 Tour winner Pogacar.

“It was a bit more relaxed and not necessary to push too hard in the sun all day.
“Especially as Monday is a brutal stage,” the Slovenian added of the eight classified climbs and many more besides in a stage loaded with opportunities on France’s national holiday in the Massif Central.
Pogacar, 26, also spoke of his teammate Joao Almeida who was hurt in a late fall Friday.
“It was good to see Joao finish the stage okay,” he said.
“As I said, Monday is a brutal stage but nobody is expecting Joao to kill himself for a bike race,” said Pogacar.
A day after complaining of the heat and fatigue Pogacar also refused to be drawn on his participation at the Vuelta a Espana, the third and final Grand Tour of the season.

“I have to think about if I want to spend another month away from home,” he said.

French hopes dashed again

Best young rider and Olympic champion Evenepoel hit a top speed of over 82kph (51mph).
“It was a nervy finale and I just wanted to stay up front in case of a fall,” said Evenepoel

“It was a shame for Tim (Merlier, his team’s sprinter) but he punctured in the run in,” the 25-year-old Belgian added.
The remaining 177 riders from the original 184 rolled through the Brittany countryside with the harvest ongoing a month early and colossal crowds on the roadside.
Under clear blue skies and 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) heat there was little inspiration in the peloton to breakaway until late in the day.
French duo Mathieu Burgaudeau and Matteo Vercher attacked from 70km and the pair were only reeled in on the edge of finish town Laval after enthusiastic support on this Tour, which is based entirely on French soil but with no home winner yet.

The pair were awarded jointly the day’s combativity award for their efforts.

Tadej Pogacar France: CYCLING TOUR DE FRANCE 2025 STAGE 8

Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates crosses the finish line of stage eight. Source: SIPA USA / Jasper Jacobs

The French Groupama-FDJ team is based in this region but their sprinter Paul Penhoet punctured 7km from home and failed to get back into the action in time for the finale.

Stage nine on Sunday heads south from Chinon to Chateauroux and is another flat affair with the focus on keeping hydrated in the heat and staying in the saddle.
The place to watch the 2025 Tour de France — live, free and exclusive — plus the fourth edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is right here on the SBS On Demand Hub.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like

Leading Ukrainian Politician Andriy Parubiy Fatally Shot in Lviv, Officials Report

Andriy Parubiy, a notable Ukrainian former parliamentary speaker, was reportedly shot dead…

U.S. Denies Entry to Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas for UN Summit

During a European Union meeting held in Copenhagen, several European foreign ministers…
Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Parubiy, pictured here in March 2019

Top Ukrainian political figure assassinated in ‘meticulously orchestrated assault’

A nationalist Ukrainian lawmaker was shot dead in a “carefully planned” attack…

Scottish Siblings Arrive in Cairns After Setting Record with Pacific Ocean Row

Three Scottish brothers have set a new world record for the fastest…

Olympic Body Says Khawaja’s Proposal to Ban Israel from Sports Violates ‘Equal Rights’

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja said sporting bodies should consider banning Israel from…

Understanding the Controversial Anti-Immigration Rallies in Australia: Key Facts You Should Know

Controversial anti-immigration protests are set to take place in major cities across…
Chicago mayor defies Trump's immigration crackdown plan for the city

Chicago Mayor Opposes Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Strategy for the City

The mayor of Chicago has pushed back against what he called the…
Just one month ago, Jenna Ellen had started her first IVF treatment and was optimistic about starting a family with the love of her life

Jenna, a healthy 31-year-old gearing up to start a family, discovered she had cancer. Here are three symptoms she mistakenly assumed were ‘normal’

Just one month ago, Jenna Ellen had started her first IVF treatment…
Redheads from around the world gather for annual festival

Ginger-haired individuals worldwide unite for yearly celebration

The southern Dutch city of Tilburg is experiencing an influx of vibrant…
Researchers at Copenhagen University hospital have found adding potassium could slash the risk of heart-related issues by a whopping 24 per cent

Easy Dietary Change to Significantly Improve Heart Health

A new study suggests that a simple dietary swap could dramatically boost…
Jagseer Boparai was driving to work in wet conditions at about 2am when he veered off Cross Keys Road in Salisbury.

Fiancé Tragically Dies in Horrific Accident Just Months Before His Wedding

A man has died in an horrific crash in Adelaide’s north, mere…
Jess and Soffie Cutler have been the proud owners of Sol Natural Foods in Darra, in south-west Brisbane, for the past eight years.

“Cafe Extends a Helping Hand: Free Coffee and Meals for Those in Need”

At a bustling cafe in Brisbane’s south-west, anyone having a bad day…