Mark Cavendish never got into the final sprint as the Eritrean became the first black African stage winner

160km to go: A reminder of today’s easy stage. Jen Voight, on the Eurosport bike, says it’s the easiest beginning of any stage he can remember for the last 20 years. The intermediate sprint will come 94km or so into the stage. They’re currently on a road named after Coppi, for a climb of 1.1km, and all the teams are in formation. They’re in Tortona, final resting place of Coppi. Jonas Abrahamsen goes over the top to claim the mountain points; he leads that category as well as the green jersey points.

165km to go: The word is the peloton is slower than expected, no breakaways. The fear now is that the rain comes and the teams are requesting the fans are not allowed too close to what are likely to be greasy roads.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Dan Bardell and Barney Ronay as England stay alive at Euro 2024

On the podcast today: England leave it to the very last minute to save themselves against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. They went 1-0 down in the first half and didn’t play well for most of the game, but were rescued by Jude Bellingham’s wonder goal in stoppage time. Harry Kane then headed the winner in the first minute of extra time to set up a quarter-final against Switzerland.

Elsewhere, Spain came from behind to beat a spirited Georgia team 4-1 with goals from Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Fabián Ruiz and Rodri. Georgia were dangerous all game and have been the surprise of the tournament, but Spain had too much for them and have set up a mouthwatering quarter final with the hosts, Germany.

A second successive French victory was secured in Bologna on a day the two favourites went toe to toe in a late climb

125km to go: Here we go, a climb, the first of the day, all 2km of it, at a 7.5% incline. Jonas Abrahamsen, who began the day in polka dot, takes to the front with very little chasing going on, and takes the two points. What will that climb do to the peloton?

130km to go: At least it’s not one of those soggy tours so far. Emilia-Romagna looks a beautiful spot, and on towards Imola they go, scene of the 2020 World Championships, as won by Julian Alaphilippe.