Third after the 186.3 kilometres from Dole to Lausanne was defending champion Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) from Slovenia, who thus extended his lead in the battle for the yellow jersey. Pogacar had won the previous two stages.
Pogacar involved in a crash
Shortly after the start there was a crash at the front of the peloton, which also involved Pogacar, Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe), Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic), Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies) and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) were involved. Schachmann suffered minor injuries to his face, but was able to continue like the others.
With 3.5 kilometres to go, the peloton caught the last breakaway. Pogacar went into the last steep ramp with two helpers, but it all came down to a sprint decision in which van Aert played to his strengths.
First corona cases at the Tour de France
The first coronavirus cases before the start. Frenchman Geoffrey Bouchard and Norwegian Vegard Stake Laengen had to abandon the race after testing positive. Bouchard rides for the French team AG2R, Laengen was a helper for Pogacar with Team UAE.
Starts on Sunday the ninth stage in Aigle at the headquarters of the world cycling organisation UCI. After a loop through Switzerland, including the crossing of the 1778 metre-high Col de la Croix, the route heads back to France.
VIDEO: 15 Tour de France terms explained
Before the finish, the more than 15 kilometre long Pas de Morgins must be conquered before the second mountain finish in Les Portes du Soleil after a total of 192.9 kilometres. The second rest day is then scheduled for Monday.
Copyright 2022, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
