Dorian Godon powered to eighth place on stage seven of the Tour de France after a frantic bunch sprint in Bordeaux.
An early breakaway of two riders went clear from the flag before being reeled in with 18km remaining, setting up an expected sprint finish.
As the pace ramped up inside the final 7km, attacks came thick and fast, but Netcompany INEOS remained perfectly positioned at the head of the peloton. Godon waited patiently on the wheels of Filippo Ganna and Josh Tarling before Michal Kwiatkowski delivered him into the finale.
Momentarily boxed in as the sprint launched, Godon showed impressive composure to find a way through and surge forward in the closing metres, crossing the line in eighth place.
Up front, Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) took the stage win, while Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates - XRG) continues to lead overall with Egan Bernal in 11th.
The race continues on Saturday with another opportunity for the sprinters, although two category-four climbs will add an extra test before the finish.
