Published on : 07/11/2026
Eighth in Pau, 13th in Bordeaux, the Belgian rider took 10th place in the sprint finish in Bergerac. The narrow and bumpy finish didn’t make it easy for him, but he gave it his all right to the end. Tomorrow brings the final stage before the rest day.
During this World Cup, we should take the time to compare sprinters with goal scorers. Both have the same instinct, the same ability to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the unique thrill of victory. Both also share the same relationship with failure: a goal scorer who doesn’t score inevitably feels frustration and disappointment, just as a sprinter who doesn’t raise his arms does.
A third top-15 finish in four days
Milan Fretin has already tasted victory and continues to grow as he patiently makes a name for himself among the world’s top sprinters. This is his first time competing in the Tour de France, facing its toughness, its demands, and its unforgiving nature. He has clearly understood that here, you have to execute the perfect sprint to have your name added to the prestigious list of stage winners.
At the end of the day on Saturday, after a long ride between Périgueux and Bergerac, the sprinters went head-to-head once again. The finish was tight, narrow, and bumpy, which made it even more difficult to form the sprints in the final stretch. As they do every day, the Cofidis team gave it their all, trying and fighting hard. Milan Fretin was well-positioned right up to the final turn before losing a bit of ground. He posted a respectable result by finishing 10th. This demonstrates his consistent presence whenever a sprint is on the schedule. He had finished 8th in Pau and then 10th in Bordeaux yesterday.
We’ll have to be patient before seeing the next bunch sprint. The next flat stages will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, finishing in Nevers and Chalon-sur-Saône. In the meantime, to wrap up the first week of this Tour de France, Sunday’s stage promises to be rugged and explosive. With four climbs on the schedule, a technical course, and the promise of a fierce battle to form the breakaway, this profile could suit Alex Aranburu—who already broke away during Stage 2—and who is eager to give it his all to shine.
The reaction
Sébastien Hinault, sports director: “It was a tough sprint today. Milan (Fretin) was well positioned, but there was a breakaway 500 meters from the finish, and he had to push hard to catch up. Naturally, it’s hard to keep going after that. We all know the level of competition is very high at the Tour de France. But even if things don’t always go our way, we’re seeing some great teamwork from the whole squad!”