The Soudal-Quick Step rider edged out Dutchman Olav Kooij and fellow Belgian Jasper Philipsen to claim his third stage win of this year’s Tour, and sixth overall.
It was yet another disorganised sprint made even worse when Colombian Fernando Gaviria hit the deck, bringing down several other riders, including the stage 11 winner Soren Waerenskjold.
Alpecin Premier Tech once again tried to set up Philipsen for the victory but Merlier, as he had done twice before in this 113th edition of the Tour, found a route through the traffic and powered home to take the chequered flag.
Stage five winner Kooij was pushed into second place for the second day in a row.
Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar finished safely in the pack at the end of the 179km stage from the Magny-Cours motor racing circuit in Nevers to Chalon-sur-Saone.
He maintained his overall lead of more than three-and-a-half minutes to two-time former champion Jonas Vingegaard.
Around 25km into the stage, Baptiste Veistroffer set off on a breakaway for the third time, and for the second time completely solo.
Three riders counter-attacked and joined him after 57km but by the time he reached the final 50km, all three had dropped away.
A bunch of other counter-attacks in the final 35km saw a group of 14 go clear of an increasingly ragged peloton, but that was reeled in with 24km left.
Advertisement
That was a cue for numerous riders to try their luck on the rapid run-in to the finish but no group committed sufficiently to make their effort stick.
Charlotte Flair has mapped out her dream opponents in the WWE women’s division. She was asked a bunch of questions for which she gave one answer and included all of everything. The Queen has named the stars she has her sights set on for potential singles matches where she feels the right in-ring chemistry.
The 14-time women’s champion said, live from Fanatics Fest NYC on WFAN, that she wants to lock horns with her ‘protege’ Kiana James. She mentioned that Kiana defeated her this year to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, and, as a result, she wants a one-on-one match now.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
Then, a Fatal Four-Way for Queen of the Ring saw her battle with Sol Ruca, again, one star she wants a singles match with.
Advertisement
“So, my little protege over here, Kiana James, is gonna do big things one day. I’d love to have a singles with her. She actually beat me to go into the Elimination Chamber this year, so that didn’t go well for a couple of weeks. I was like, ‘You know, you took my spot.’ Yeah, we’re still friends. Sol Ruca. I was in a Fatal Four-Way with her to what was it for the Queen of the Ring spot, but I think a singles with her, a one-on-one with Jade. I still need to get revenge on what she did to Lexi last week. So stay tuned, everybody. Stay tuned,” said Charlotte Flair.
Then it came down to a match that could happen sooner, with Jade Cargill. Flair’s focus on Cargill is personal now, as she is to avenge Jade’s brutal assault on her best friend, Alexa Bliss.
Charlotte Flair called Jade Cargill a b***h
Alexa Bliss took on Jade Cargill in a singles match on the last SmackDown, which wrote her off with an arm injury. Alexa’s longtime ally, Charlotte Flair, is already stepping up to claim retribution. Responding to fans online, The Queen made it clear that her iconic battle with Ronda Rousey, where she landed multiple kendo stick blows on her.
That she claims was a last-minute match, and still, she gave her brutal side. This time, Flair has even more motivation to target Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab. In a response to the fan’s post, Charlotte implied she would do the same with the ‘b***’ Cargill.
Advertisement
Why did you not like this content?
Was this article helpful?
Advertisement
Thank You for feedback
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
A former World Heavyweight Champion has been pulled from a major company’s roster, signaling he’s officially a highly-touted free agent now. The person in question is none other than Mike Santana, whose WWE debut is imminent now.
For weeks, Santana has teased a move to WWE. Even reports suggested that his tenure with TNA, where he’s a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, is coming to an end soon, following which he’ll take his talents to WWE. The 35-year-old star last competed at Slammiversary 2026, where Nic Nemeth became the new champion after defeating him.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
Mike Santana‘s run with TNA has now officially ended, with him being removed from the company’s internal roster.
Advertisement
Check it out below:
Prior to joining TNA in 2024, Santana was primarily a tag team wrestler with his partner Ortiz. However, their real-life equation eventually deteriorated, prompting him to pursue singles wrestling. It’s safe to say this decision has been a resounding success, with Santana now touted to show up in WWE by the end of summer, where he’s sure to become a big draw for whichever brand he joins.
Matt Hardy believes former TNA World Champion Mike Santana is signing with WWE
On a recent edition of his Extreme Life podcast, Matt Hardy spoke about his former AEW and TNA colleague potentially jumping ship to WWE.
Matt revealed that it was Santana’s dream to work for WWE and that, like many of those in the wrestling business, he wished to headline WrestleMania someday.
Advertisement
“I mean that, that, that wouldn’t surprise me. I would guess that’s probably Mike Santana’s ultimate goal [is] to work for WWE. You know, most kids who grew up loving wrestling, their goal is to work for WWE at some point, have a WrestleMania moment, whatever else. That [him going to WWE] wouldn’t shock me at all.”
While Mike Santana has now and again proved that he’s a formidable talent, it might not be a very smooth ride for him. WWE’s roster is loaded with up-and-coming talent, and it would take considerable effort to cut through the competition.
Why did you not like this content?
Advertisement
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Tandy has changed his centres and also rotates his fly-half, with Dan Edwards coming back in after Sam Costelow got a crack in Argentina.
Ospreys’ Edwards has started 10 of 12 internationals played this season, with Scarlets’ Costelow impressing until injured against Scotland and then facing the Pumas.
Last week’s starter drops out of the matchday 23 and centre Hawkins will be the cover at Kings Park.
“I feel a bit sensitive towards the way that 10s are treated because I played a lot of my career there,” said Anscombe.
Advertisement
“The one thing that they need to be careful about is chopping and changing. With 10s, regardless of how they play, there are times when you need to give them three or four games in a row.
“A 10’s job isn’t just about effort and attitude, so much is about decision-making and being accurate within that.
“When you keep chopping and changing it’s really tough to get a feel for that. You need time in the saddle to be making those decisions at the line constantly.”
Wales finish their season with Edwards, Thomas and Llewellyn at 10-12-13 and Tandy has a break until the selection headaches return in November.
Man Utd have knocked back enquiries for Mason Mount this summer but three years into his Old Trafford career he needs to step up this summer.
It could be a tale of two former Chelsea midfielders for Manchester United this weekend, as they get their pre-season campaign underway in Helsinki.
While Andrey Santos could be in line for a first appearance for the club after his £50million move from Stamford Bridge, Mason Mount will hope to use a summer when several first-teamers have been away at the World Cup to show he has a big role to play under Michael Carrick.
Advertisement
With no other senior midfielders currently back for the summer, Santos and Mount could even start together in Wrexham, but both will know there is plenty of competition coming this season.
Santos, at 22 and with a five-year contract in his pocket, has time on his side. Mount does not. Now 27, he is three years into his Old Trafford career after a £60million move from Chelsea and hasn’t had the impact expected.
Advertisement
His best spell came as a No.10 in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 and it’s no surprise that Mount has been linked with a move to AC Milan since Amorim was appointed. United have knocked back tentative enquiries this summer and insist he isn’t for sale.
Like Santos, Mount signed a five-year deal, but with a couple of years left, it’s not clear what his best position is or how he gets into this team. He earned a couple of starts under Carrick towards the end of last season in a deeper midfield role and his auditions this summer could also come there. If they do, it might well be a sign that that is considered his position this season.
Mount has suffered injuries since joining United, missing 70 games across three seasons with various issues, but he was adamant towards the end of the season that those problems were now in the past. If Mount is to make something of his Old Trafford career, they need to be.
Three years in, there have been just 72 appearances and only 25 Premier League starts. When the deal was done, then director of football John Murtough called Mount a “world-class player”, but for one reason or another, that level hasn’t been seen regularly at United.
Advertisement
If it had, Mount might have been away himself at this summer’s World Cup. Instead, he feels a long way off England selection right now, despite Thomas Tuchel being a fan. Most coaches like Mount, who can knit a team together and improve others around him.
Carrick is another who rates Mount, calling himself “a big fan” early in his tenure and praising his “attitude and personality”. He also waxed lyrical about Mount’s performance in midfield in the final day win at Brighton.
Mount will get games this summer and a full pre-season should have him ready to hit the ground running in August. With United back in the Champions League, there are also enough fixtures to go around during the season, but if he’s to become more than a squad player or rotation option, Mount needs a big couple of months.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham could face disciplinary action after he appeared to slap Argentina substitute Valentin Barco following his side’s 2-1 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
The incident happened shortly after the final whistle as Argentina celebrated their victory. Barco, who was an unused substitute, ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his team-mates.
As Bellingham walked past, he appeared to slap Barco on the back of the head, leading to a brief confrontation between players from both teams before the Real Madrid star walked away.
Advertisement
The reason for Bellingham’s reaction is still unclear. However, television footage showed Barco celebrating in front of the England players after Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina’s winning goal late in the match.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, criticised Barco’s celebration.
“It was probably the worst example of sportsmanship we’ve seen at this World Cup,” Robinson said.
Advertisement
FIFA’s disciplinary committee is expected to review the incident. If Bellingham is found guilty of violent conduct, he could be suspended for England’s third-place play-off against France on Saturday in Miami.
However, FIFA may decide the incident did not involve excessive force. Under the Laws of the Game, deliberately striking an opponent on the head is not automatically a red-card offence if the contact is considered minor.
England will now wait to see whether Bellingham will be available for the bronze medal match as FIFA considers the incident.
The new cross-hemisphere competition has delivered plenty of captivating contests, though concerns remain over the demand placed on players both in terms of time on the field and travel involved.
The results from this summer will be carried over to November when the nations from each hemisphere will meet those from the other they did not play in this first window – with South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland best placed so far after two wins from two.
One of those winning records will go in Auckland as Andy Farrell’s side bid to become the first team to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1994 in the pick of the round three fixtures.
What should you be looking out for this weekend? Here are five things to watch:
Advertisement
Will Sam Prendergast stake a fly half claim?
Sam Prendergast will start for Ireland against New Zealand (Getty)
The assumption is that Jack Crowley will be back to re-take the No 10 shirt in November once the Munster playmaker is fit again regardless of how Sam Prendergast goes against New Zealand – but overseeing a historic win at the All Blacks’ fortress would represent a coming-of-age performance for the Leinster-man. It is clear that Farrell still loves the options that Prendergast offers, and has confidence that the pivot can reach his heigh ceiling, though the hosts have the ability to make it a tough day for a 23-year-old who it still feels is figuring out his game at the top level.
Dave Rennie has successfully blooded his own new fly half in the last two weeks, and sticking with Ruben Love is a big show of faith in the Hurricane. He fits the expressive and expansive style that suits this All Blacks pool of players well, though Farrell was right to point out the steel that he had seen in Rennie’s side since the head coach’s installation – it feels significant that both bosses have gone with a long-limbed lock on the blindside with the battle at the lineout and maul surely set to be key.
What are Japan?
Credit must be extended to France for travelling to Tokyo to take on Japan, with Fabien Galthie’s side at the end of a particularly long season but still fulfilling their competition commitments properly. This will serve as useful preparation for the pair as they look ahead to a Pool E meeting in Brisbane at the World Cup next year. An enigmatic Japan are a little tough to figure out – they feel upwardly mobile after beating Italy and pushing Ireland, particularly with young fly half Ryunosuke Ito seeming to have Eddie Jones’ backing to fill a problem position.
Advertisement
Ryunosuke Ito starts again at fly half for Japan (Getty)
France, though rotated in places, will be a good gauge of where they are actually at when it comes to matching top packs. A second row of Warner Dearns and Harry Hockings has the muscle to mix it with the French big boys, though the fact that Jones has rotated his forwards in other places could be cause for concern.
Can Fiji find something?
The great disappointments of this July so far have been Fiji, bad against Wales, worse against England and now hosting Scotland at…Murrayfield. Sure. The circumstances surrounding Mick Byrne’s departure remains slightly unclear and the upheaval appears to have unsettled a group that had built structure steadily on to the more extravagant touches that will always remain a trademark of their game. So far in this Nations Championship there has been too much of the latter – and nowhere near enough of the former.
One feels some sympathy for a side that would be a different team entirely were they playing in Suva – where, of course, Scotland were well beaten on their summer tour last year. What was striking about that performance was how Fiji built pressure and turned it into penalties, leaving Scotland down to 14 on three occasions and then striking from their lineout a couple of times. Can they do the same again?
A Springboks fly half for the future…or now?
Advertisement
Vusi Moyo starts at fly half for South Africa against Wales (Getty)
In another world, Vusi Moyo would be in Tbilisi this weekend looking to steer South Africa’s Under 20s to another Junior World Championship crown in the final of the age-grade competition against France. Instead, Moyo will make his Test debut at 10 inside a month of turning 20 as Rassie Erasmus looks to a fly half of the future against Wales.
It could be that Moyo has a bigger role over the next 18 months than it might first appear. One dares not write Handre Pollard off but the veteran hasn’t necessarily convinced in recent outings, while Manie Libbok has a few flaws in his game and has never quite seemed trusted in the very biggest games by the Springboks. It is tough to see Moyo, highly rated by good judges, usurping Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu but with the Stormer currently injured, and five more Tests to come in short order, the youngster could yet be busy.
Argentina vs England…again
It may not be the most consequential or politically-charged sporting encounter between Argentina and England this week but there could be a bit of bad blood in Santiago del Estero on Saturday evening. Argentina were incensed by the way the game between these two ended at Twickenham in November, with Tom Curry branded a bully by head coach Felipe Contepomi after a bust-up in the tunnel.
Argentina were frustrated by Tom Curry’s late tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia last November (Getty)
England went very well in South America last year even short of their British and Irish Lions, and have seemed to enjoy playing the Pumas under Steve Borthwick. It feels like they have learned relatively little from their two games this far this summer, well beaten by a superior South Africa and then comprehensively putting a pretty poor Fiji away. Can their backline click again against a better standard of opposition? Will their edge defence and aerial work be as good as it was in Argentina last year? Another win would give Borthwick and his squad a degree of optimism with which to move forward.
England star Jude Bellingham thanked supporters for their unwavering backing following the team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, urging fans to carry forward the unity shown throughout the tournament. Taking to Instagram, Bellingham reflected on England’s exit from the competition, admitting he had struggled to process the disappointment before sharing an emotional message of gratitude. England’s World Cup campaign came to an end after a 2-1 semi-final defeat to defending champions Argentina. Despite taking an early lead, England conceded an equaliser through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the final.
Bellingham’s message resonated with supporters as the Real Madrid star called for continued unity, expressing optimism that England could achieve greater success in the future with the backing of its fans.
“Was really struggling to find the right words for yesterday and the last few weeks but this pretty much hits the nail on the head from our driver in Kansas. Thank you for the unbelievable support from back home and to those who spent their hard earned money to travel to America and get behind us. Don’t let the unity and love we’ve seen in our country end with this campaign. When we’re together we can achieve big things… And we will! Love yous!” Bellingham wrote.
Advertisement
Bellingham enjoyed an outstanding FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign for England, finishing as the team’s top scorer with six goals and one assist in seven matches. The star footballer played a pivotal role in guiding the Three Lions to the semi-finals, delivering match-winning performances in the knockout stages, including braces against Mexico and Norway.
In the match’s semi-final match, Argentina produced a stunning late comeback against England. The first half was a tightly contested battle, with both teams fighting for midfield control and creating limited clear chances.
England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers’ cross to put the Three Lions ahead.
After taking the lead, England dropped deeper defensively, allowing Argentina to build pressure. The defending champions responded strongly, with Jordan Pickford making key saves and Alexis Mac Allister hitting the post before Argentina found the equaliser.
Advertisement
In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez struck after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi to level the match. Argentina completed their comeback in stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home the winner.
The result sent Argentina into the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.
The Three Lions will now face France in the third-place match, while Argentina will meet Spain for the title.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Advertisement
Featured Video Of The Day
FIFA World Cup 2026 | Argentina Fans Sing & Dance After Dramatic Comeback Against Egypt
Floyd Mayweather dominated the sport for a number of years, named as the BWAA’s Fighter of the Decade for the 2010’s and breaking a number of pay-per-view records. Now, ‘The Best Ever’ has named the active fighter who should be receiving more pound-for-pound recognition.
Instead, Japanese phenomenon Naoya Inoue now seems to be the standout candidate as pound-for-pound king, with a trifecta of American stars; Shakur Stevenson, David Benavidez and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, hot on his tail and hoping to claim top spot in the near future.
Advertisement
Yet, in the eyes of Mayweather, considered to be the pound-for-pound king of the 21st century, there is another American who should be under consideration. On a FaceTime call, on The Pivot Podcast, Mayweather told Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis that he ‘deserves to be at the top’, but that his time will come.
FM: “I am proud of you.”
JE: “Thank you, I appreciate it. Thank you, you are one of my favourite fighters, man.”
FM: “I am proud of him, he can fight his a** off. I am going to continue to see you do good, man. You deserve to be at the top, but everything takes time, you’ll be OK.”
CF Montreal is on the verge of getting some good news.
The Quebec government is poised to green-light interior renovations for Olympic Stadium, according to multiple reports.
La Presse was first to report the news. The renovated stadium is expected to reopen in 2028.
The city’s MLS franchise has been pushing for interior renovations to the current 56,000-seat stadium with the league set to start playing winter games next season. A new roof is currently under construction, with the project projected at $870 million.
Advertisement
MLS commissioner Don Garber has said renovations of Olympic Stadium were critical to CF Montreal, which currently plays at outdoor Stade Saputo.
The CFL’s Montreal Alouettes left Olympic Stadium in 1998 to play at outdoor Molson Stadium in the city’s core on the McGill University campus.
Famously, a U2 concert at Olympic Stadium forced the Alouettes to play a 1997 playoff game at the more intimate Molson Stadium, which ended up being a big hit. The Als then decided to make the McGill facility their regular home.
While the Alouettes have not made any statement about potentially moving back, a renovated Olympic Stadium could be a good site for a Grey Cup.
Advertisement
The last Grey Cup in Montreal was played in 2008 at Olympic Stadium, where a crowd of 66,308 watched the Calgary Stampeders beat the Alouettes.
Olympic Stadium was originally built for the 1976 Summer Games along with MLB’s Montreal Expos, who moved to Washington after the 2004 season.
The Toronto Blue Jays played several pre-season games at Olympic Stadium before the facility went out of use.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login