Milan Triumphs in Thrilling Sprint on Tour de France Stage 8, Pogacar Maintains Yellow
Limoges, France – July 12, 2025 – The Tour de France witnessed a captivating display of sprinting prowess today as Italian powerhouse Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) secured his maiden victory on the Grande Boucle, crossing the finish line first on the 8th stage from Orléans to Limoges. The win marks a significant moment for Italian cycling, being the first Italian stage triumph in the prestigious race since 2019. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) continues to hold the coveted yellow jersey, demonstrating his consistent dominance in the general classification.
The 195-kilometer stage, largely characterized by rolling terrain and a technical finish, saw the peloton navigate through the picturesque French countryside. As is often the case with sprint stages, a breakaway group formed early in the day, aiming to gain an advantage. However, the determined chase by the sprue teams, eager to set up their fast men for the win, kept the gap manageable throughout the stage.
As the race approached the final kilometers, the tension in the air was palpable. Lead-out trains began to form, with teams jockeying for position and attempting to shield their key sprinters from the wind and the jostling of the pack. Jonathan Milan, known for his explosive acceleration and formidable strength, found himself perfectly positioned by his Lidl-Trek teammates.
In the final hundred meters, Milan launched his decisive sprint. He unleashed a powerful surge, weaving through the traffic of his rivals with remarkable composure. Holding off a strong challenge from the likes of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Milan powered his way to the line, arms raised in triumph. The victory was not only a personal milestone for the young Italian but also a cause for celebration among his compatriots, eagerly awaiting this moment for years.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” a beaming Milan commented after the stage. “To win a stage at the Tour de France is a dream come true for any cyclist, and to do it today, for Italy, is extra special. My team did an amazing job protecting me and leading me out. I’m so grateful to them.”
While the spotlight shone brightly on Milan’s historic win, the overall standings remained largely unchanged at the top. Tadej Pogačar, the dominant force of recent Tours, navigated the stage safely within the main group. His consistent performances and strategic riding continue to keep him firmly in the yellow jersey, his eyes clearly set on the ultimate prize in Paris. The Slovenian, who has been a prominent figure in the race from the outset, will be looking to defend his lead in the upcoming mountain stages.
The 8th stage provided a thrilling spectacle for cycling fans worldwide, showcasing both the raw power of the sprinters and the strategic nuances of Grand Tour racing. As the Tour de France heads into its crucial latter half, the battles for stage victories and the fight for the yellow jersey promise to be as captivating as ever. Jonathan Milan’s triumph today serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving landscape of sprinting and the enduring spirit of competition on the world’s most famous cycling race.
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France Info published ‘Tour de France 2025 : Jonathan Milan remporte la 8e étape, première victoire italienne depuis 2019 sur la Grande Boucle’ at 2025-07-12 15:40. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.