Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian world champion, secured his first Tour de France stage victory in the first time trial, marking his triumph across all three Grand Tours. Evenepoel maintained a 12-second lead over yellow jersey Tadej Pogacar despite a minor scare near the end. This victory places him 33 seconds behind Pogacar in the general classification.
Kevin Vauquelin and Ben Healy also delivered outstanding performances. Vauquelin, vice-champion of France in the time trial, finished sixth, while Healy, known for his climbing prowess, secured ninth place.
However, not all riders had a successful day. French time trial champion Bruno Armirail finished a disappointing 22nd, and Stefan Küng faced mechanical issues that disrupted his rhythm.
The seventh stage time trial from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin was crucial for the general classification, with riders navigating a challenging course through Burgundy's vineyards and forests.
Dylan Groenewegen ended his two-year victory drought by winning the sixth stage of the Tour de France. The Jayco-Alula sprinter edged out competitors Philipsen and Girmay in a thrilling finish.
Jonas Vingegaard's teammates from Visma Lease-a-Bike animated the sixth stage, attempting breaks to enliven the race despite the peloton's slow pace.
Mark Cavendish made history by breaking Eddy Merckx's record with his 35th career Tour de France stage victory. The sprint legend's triumph was celebrated by fellow rider Tadej Pogacar, who praised Cavendish's historic achievement.
